R:CHARD C. SUTER and Assoclate$,. 19; Comprahenstve Plennerslland Plannen Histonc Presewstlon Planners
R:CHARD C. SUTER and AsSOClATE$,. 19; Comprahenstve PlennerslLand Plannen Histonc Presewstlon Planners . ...
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR UNION TOWNSHIP
This project was financed by a Grant from the Small Communities Planning Assistance Program (SCPAP), from' the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and E.consmic Development (DCED)
U (2000)
*t PREPARED, FOR: Union Township Board of Supervisors 2199 South Eagle Valley Road Julian, Pennsylvania 16844
PREPARED BY: RICHARD C. SUTBER & ASSOCIATES, INC. Comprehensive PlanneaslLand PlannerslHistoric Preservation Planne rs - __ - __ - The Manor House, PO Box 564 l-kiidays burg, Pennsylvania 16648
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I TABLE OF CONTENTS Page #
TITLEPAGE ...... i
-:TRANSMITTAL LETTER ...... ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... iii
LISTOFMAPS ...... iv .. LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES ...... v
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...... vi
LOCATION AND REGIONAL RELATIONSHIPS ...... 1 ENVIRONMENTAL AYD PHYSICAL ...... 6 EXISTING LAND USE ...... 23 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC ...... 28 INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES ...... 37 POPULATION AND HOUSING ...... 42 ECONOMIC PROFILE ...... ,...... 55 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 59 PLAN OVERVIEW ...... 68 FUTURE LAND USE AND HOUSING PLAN ...... 70 TRANSPORTATION PLAN ...... 88 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES ...... 91 PLAN COMPONENT INTERRELATIONSHIP STATEMENT ...... 98 CONTIGUOUS MUNICIPALITIES RELATIONSHIP STATEMENT ...... 100 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ...... 104 ZONING ORDINANCE ...... Under Separate Cover
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... 111 LIST OF MAPS Page # BACKGROUND STUDIES
Map I Union Township in 1861 ...... 4
Map 2 Union Township in 1874 ...... 5
Map 3 Geology ...... 8
Map 4 Slope ...... 11
Map 5 .Floodplain ...... 13
Map 6 Hydric and Prime Agricultural Sites/Soils ...... 14
Map 7 Wetlands ...... 15
Map 8 Development Constraints ...... 16
Map 9 Existing Land Use ...... 24
~ Map 10 Roadway Classification ...... 35
Map 11 Traffic Volumes ...... 36
: Map12 Sewer and Water Service Area ...... 38
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN V
Map 13 Future Land Use ...... 75‘ .. Map 12’ Future Transportation Improvements ...... 90
Map 15 Future Sewer and Water Service Areas ...... 93
Map 16 Zoning Map ...... 77.
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.. iv LIST OF TABLES . Page # TABLE 1 GEOLOGY OF UNION TOWNSHIP ...... 6 .. ,- TABLE 2 SLOPE CONFIGURATIONS' ...... 9
... TABLE 3 WETLAND CLASSIFICATIONS IN UNION TOWNSHIP ...... 19
TABLE 4 EXISTING LAND USE SUMMARY 1997 ...... 26
TABLE 5 STATE HIGHWAY INVENTORY ...... 32
TABLE 6 ACCIDENT SUMMARY: STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM ...... 34
TABLE 7 POPULATION CHANGE 1970- 1990 ...... 42
TABLE 8 AGE CHARACTERISTICS OF POPULATION ...... 43
TABLE 9 SEX CHARACTERISTICS OF POPULATION ...... 44 TABLE 10 RACIAL CHARACTERISTICS ...... 45
TABLE 11 HOUSEHOLD & FAMILY CHARACTERISTICS OF POPULATION ...... 46 ?. TABLE 12 EDUCATION LEVEL OF POPULATION ...... 47
TABLE 13 HISTORICAL POPULATION TRENDS ...... 48
TABLE 14 AGE OF HOUSING STOCK ...... 49
6 TABLE 15 TENURE OF HOUSING STOCK ...... 50 1 TABLE 16 HOUSING UNIT CHARACTERISTICS 2990 ...... 51 TABLE 17 HOUSING UNIT SIZE AND VALUE 1990 ...... 52 i TABLE 18 TYPE OF HOUSING TOTAL UNITS ...... 53 TABLE 19 EMPLOYMENT FORCE CHARACTERISTICS BY OCCUPATION ...... 55
I TABLE 20 EMPLOYMENT FORCE CHARACTERISTICS BY INDUSTRY ...... 57 I TABLE 21 INCOM E CHARACTERISTICS ...... 58 TABLE 22 COMMUNITY PROVIDED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ...... 95
FIGURES
FIGURE 1 HISTORICAL POPULATION GRAPH ...... 48
FIGURE 2 PROCESS FLOW CHART ...... 61
FIGURE 3 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION ...... 62 ...... r ...... _ ...... - - -- _...... -.. I ......
I V ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Completion of a project as complex as the Comprehensive Plan involves a variety of disciplines and much time and effort upon the part of numerous participants. A nu-mber of people and the community planning consulting firm have contributed to this Plan. We would like to extend our acknowledgment and thanks to the following: .. UNION TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 1997 1998 RobeftHall, Chairman Timothy C. Spotts, Acting Chairman Timothy C. Spotts, Vice Chairman Ryland W. Brower, Roadmaster Ryland Brower %. Larry E. Williams, Supervisor Donna J. Fisher, Secretary Donna J. Fisher, Secretary- Treasurer
I999 Ryland W. Brower, Chairman Wilfred Bracken, Vice ,Chairman Timothy Bruss, Supervisor Donna J. Fisher, Secretary-Treasurer
UNION TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION 199711998 I999 Michael C. Immel, Chairman James Yeaney, Chairman Timothy Spotts, Vice-chairman Janet McClellan, Vice Chairman Kenneth F. Keeler 4 Linda Flick Lala M. Hall, Secretary Lala M. Hall, Secretary
V This Project was Funded by:
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Small Communities Planning Assistance Program (SCPAP)
Planning Consultants:
Richard C. Sutter and Associates, Inc. Comprehensive Planners/Land Planners/Historic Preservation Planners The Manor House, P 0 Box 564 . Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 ' (814) 695-7577
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vi LOCATION AND REGIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Geographic Location
,- Located near the middle of Centre County, Union Township composes the northeasterly pan .. of the Upper Bald Eagle Valley region, which lies between the top of Bald Eagle Mountgjn - and the edge of the Allegheny Plateau. Bald Eagle Creek and Bald Eagle Mountain form the southeastern boundary of the township. The Allegheny Front marks the northwestern boundary.
I, A Brief History of Union Township in Centre County'
'-\ In the early seventeenth century, what is today known as Centre County was a wilderness land. The region was inhabited by the Delaware tribe, which was led by Chief Bald Eagle. Place names of the region carry Bald Eagle's name to this day.
In 1720 hostilities over territory broke out among the American Indians of the region, namely the Delaware and the koquois. The Iroquois emerged victorious. Later, the Shawnee tribe occupied the area, led by Chief Logan. Around 1759 Captain James Potter explored Centre County.
The first settlement in what is today known as Union Township was made by Thomas Parsons, who arrived from Maryland in 1770. Parsons erected a cabin along Bald Eagle Creek; at the time, his surroundings were heavily wooded and traversed only by crude paths. By that time, few American Indians were left in the region; most had been driven westward by the expansion and settlement of whiteccolonists. However, the later decades of the eighteenth century did witness attacks from traveling Indian raiding parties from the north. The threat of raids grew substantially during the Aperican Revolution, prompting some early settlers to leave the area. The Parsons family was one family to withdraw. They returned to Maryland for the duration of the war, and made their way back to Union Township at its conclusion. a. In the next three decades, settlement increased in the Bald Eagle Creek valley. Early settlers included William Fisher, who settled in 1800, operated a saw mill, and constructed a stone mansion (in 1812); William Fisher, Jr., who operated the Bald Eagle Nursery; Martin and John Hoover, who settled in 1800 and operated a tavern on the pike; John Iddings, a blacksmith who settled in 1800; and James Henry, John Irwin, John Graybill, Leonard Peters, and Jacob Hugg.
' This history is based on information found in the following sources: Bell, Raymond Martin. The Townships of Mother Cumberland. Washington, PA: Washington & Jefferson College, 1962. Centre County Planning Commission. Hisfor!calReflections of Centre County. Bellefonte, Pennsylvania: Centre County Planning Commission, 1970. Historic Environment Consultants. The Centre County Historic Sites Survey. 1978. Hottenstein, Jo Anne and Sibyl Welch. Incorporation Dates fir Pennsylvania Municipalities. 1965. Lee, J. Marvin. The History of Centre Councv: The Countv . . __inWl-8ich-We Live. 1965. Li&,.Jahn.Blair. Histoty oJCentre and Clinron Counties, Pet&.&lvania. Philadelphia: Lo& H. Everts, 1883. Ramsey, Gregory (Coordinator). Historic Buildings of Centre County, Pennsylvania. University Park, PA: Keystone Books.
1 During this early period, settlers located along the streams of region. Paths, and later roads, followed the streams and improved accessibility. Development held to these routes of travel even into the twentieth century. The early settlers were primarily occupied with foresting and farming the land. Trees were atiundant and early agricultural produdon was enhanced by the fertile limestone soil of the region. In 1800 Centre County was incorporated with a population of 4,112 residents. Around 1821-22 the Philadelphia and
.) Erie Turnpike was extended through Union Township along the valley to where Unionville - now stands. There it turned northwest toward Philipsburg, traveling along the Dewitt’s Run Hollow, crossing the Alleghenies. This road brought much passenger and freight wagon traffic through Union Township: ‘It was called “a most excellent road.” The’ traffic encouraged the establishment. of taverns and other businesses to sehice the travelers. Taverns were operated by William Fisher, John Hoover, George Hoover, and William Hinton. Hinton operated the successful Allegheny House, situated on the pike at the foot of the mountain. (The tavern, later operated by Archy Moore, appears on the 1861 map of the township. See Map # 1.) Perhaps the most popular hotel in Union Township was the Rattlesnake Hotel, situated on the pike close to the Rush Township border. It was operated by John Flick, then John Wood, and later Ben Lucas. (The Rattlesnake appears on the 1874 map of the township. See Map # 2.) a With the extensive traffic through the region, the population of Union Township increased. By 1851 it had increased sufficiently to warrant the official creation of the township from the upper portion of Boggs Township. In the year of its creation the town*ip listed 80 taxpayers, 66 tenants, and 30 single men. Traffic on the turnpike was steady until the Bald Eagle Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad was constructed through the Township in late1800’s. The convenience of railroad travel encouraged passengers to leave the turnpikes for the rails. In 1859 the Bellefonte and Snow Shoe Railroad was finished to provide access to coal around Snow Shod. ‘The railroad included a series @zigzagging tracks that enabled the trains to traverse the steep grades of the mountain., The switchbacks w ere I ocated in t he no rtheastern part oft he t ownship. A s tation w as constructed within the township borders in the vicinity of the switchbacks. Also in 1859, Unionville was created in the southeastern part of the township. For a time it was an
importanta lumber shipping point on the Bald Eagle Valley Railroad.
An 1861 map clearly illustrates the development of the township along the streams, roads, and railroads. It shows seven saw mills in operation, four schools, the Alleghany House hotel, and two tollhouses on the road to Philipsburg. In that year the Central Advent Church was organized; the name was later changed to the Central Messiah Church. In 1867 the Dick’s Run Messiah Church was organized. The schoolhouse was used for meetings until a church was built next to the schoolhouse in 1873. The 1874 map of the township shows an increase in the number of roads, with more transverse routes connecting the major roads that travel along the streams, and additional settlement throughout the eastern and southern sections of the township. The Rattle Snake Hotel is identified in the northwest part of the township, and the Bellefonte and Snow Shoe Railroad, with its accompanying station, are identified in the northeastern part of the township. The Messiah Church is identified along McCormick’s Run. Business notices for the township for that year advertise eight farmers a (Joseph Alexander, D. Campbell, A. Calhoun, A.R. Hall, George P. Hall, William Spotts, Jr., - Jesse Underwood, and H. Woods), one physician (J. M. Blair), one flour miller (William D. Smith), one laborer (A.S. Ammerman), one fruit grower and nurseryman (William P. Fisher), and one general merchant (Griest & Rumberger).
2 .. By 1880 there were six schools operating in the township; by 1883 religious organizations included two Messiah churches and one Methodist Episcopal class. .a "'e .< .*F _. .?*a flistoric Resources ** L rn Site of the Snow Shoe Switchbacks. Built'in 1857-59 by0 Developmental Patterns of Union Township Historically, development in Centre County was fdcused on the valleys of the region, taking advantage of the natural resources of the land, and settlement in Union Township followed this pattern. Development in Union Township extended along the agricultural land of the valleys, the streams, and the roads through the region. The valley at the southern end of the township also developed as a transportation corridor. Located there were a portion of the Philadelphia and Ede Turnpike and the Bald Eagle Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Today, U.S. 220 follows the line of the turnpike. The largest settlement in Ur)ion Township was officially organized as the borough of Unionville in 1859. Located at the point where the turnpike turned toward Philipsburg (along today's Route 504), Unionville was an important lumber shipping point on the Bald Eagle Valley Railroad. 1 . " For the most part, development has not 'penetrated the northernmost iegions of the township. Steep land, and large State Forest and Game Land holdings have limited development in these areas. V Adjacent Municipalities Unio; Township is surrounded by five (5) other Centre County townships. Snow Shoe Township is situated to the north; Boggs Townships is to the north; Benner Township is at the southeast; Huston Township is at the southwest; and Rush Township is situated to the west. ,- -2. " .ea. - ...... 3 .. . -I _- /'. f' : /' -* . - ~ ._~...... - .. .. -- ...... ~ .I .. . .__._~ ;~ . .>i- ...... -. .- . .~ 85. ...... .... I-, .. . I. . .. ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL2 .. This section of the Comprehensive Plan presents an analysis of the physical and environmental features of Union fownship. Characteristics reviewed include geology, topography, slope, soils, drainage, flood plains, wetlands, and natural resources. A review - 'of these characteristics is required to accurately determine the potential for. future * development and for determining potential problems with existing development. Geology The geologic structure of Union Township includes a range of ten formations. Overall, the geology may be characterized as consisting primarily of sandstone with shale and siltstone also present. The geological structure of the township is outlined in the following text, described in the table below, and illustrated on Map #3. In the northwestern part of the township the Rockwell Formation predominates, with large and small pockets of 6,urgoon Sandstone also found. In the central part of the township the Catskill Formation is found. To the southeast of the Catskill, in clearly demarcated and progressively narrowing bands, are found the following: Lock Haven Formation, Bralier and Harrel Formations, Mahantango and Marcellus Formations, Onondaga and Old Port Formations, Keyser Formation through Clinton Group, Tuscarora Formation, and Juniata Formation. TABLE 1 Geology of Union Township k I I UNIT DESCRIPTION W Burgoon Buff, medium-grained, crossbedded sandstone, in places contains I Sandstone conglomerate at the base, contains plant fossils Rocbwell Buff , fine- to medium-grained, crossbedded, argillaceous sandstone, Formation includes some carbonaceous shale, sporadic conglomerate beds, and diamictite Catskill Grayish-red sandstone, siltstone, and shale; units of gray sandstone Formation occur in upper part Lock Haven lnterbedded olive-gray sandstone, siltstone, clay-stone, and thin conglomerate; marine fossils throughout 'This section is based on information found in the following sources: The Atlas of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1989. Bu reau o f T opographic a nd Geologic S urvey. Geologic Map of Pennsylvania. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 1980. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Resources. The * Moshannon State Forest Public Use Map and Recreational Guidefor Black Moshannon State Park. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. Soil Survey of Blair Counry, Pennsylvania. U.S.Army Corps of Engineers. -I.-_ Recognizing____ Wetlands. (Informational brochure). Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. National . .. d U.S. WetIands inventory. WestemThhSylvania Conservancy. Centre Counry Natural Heritage Inventory. November, 199 1. 6 UNIT DESCRIPTION Brallier and In descending order: Brallier.(medium-gray planar-bedded siltstone . .*; Harrell interbedded with light-olive shale; sparse marine’faunak Harrell (black ‘ Formations, shale and dark-gray shale) Undivided Mahantango and Mahantango: Gray, brown, and olive shale and siltstone; marine fossils; Marcellus includes in descending order: Tully, Fisher Ridge, Dal.matia, and Turkey Formations Ridge. Marcellus: Black, carbonaceous shale, sparse marine fauna and siderite concretions. Contains local limestone member. Onondaga and Onondaga: Medium-gray calcareous shale; marine fossils; medium-gray Old Port argillaceous limestone of Selinsgrove Member at top. Old Port: Includes Formations in descending order: Ridgeley, Shriver, Mandata, Corriganville, and New Creek Members. Keyser Formation Same as Keyser-through-Mifflintown interval, plus Clinton Group at base. through Clinton Clinton includes in descending order: Keefer Formation (fossiliferous Group, Undivided sandstone and hematitic, oolitic sandstone and shale) and Rose Hill Formation (fossiliferous shale) Tuscarora Light- to medium-gray sandstone (orthoquartzite) and minor interbedded Formation shale, locally conglomeratic in lower part Juniata Grayish-red siltstone, shale, and very fine to medium;grained, Formation crossbedded sandstone .. Source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Resources, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey. Geologic Map of Pennsylvania. 1980. . Topography w Y k Topography, the three-dimensional form of the land sukace, is a *direct result of the underlying geologic structure and weathering conditions. Hard, resis@ntbedrock withstands wind and water erosion and results in areas of high elevation and steep $opes. Softer rocks erode to form valleys and gently sloping land. .* L.. The valley of the Bald Eagle Creek in Centre County forms a boundary between two of Pennsylvania’s major physiographic provinces, the Ridge and Valley province and the Allegheny Plateau. The foothills of the Allegheny front lie just to the north and west, while the Ridge of Bald Eagle Mountain, to the south and east, marks the edge of the Ridge and Valley. The Allegheny Plateau consists of a narrow band of rugged foothills and an extensive upland area that extends north and west from the Allegheny Front. The high plateau is mostly forested, gently rolling upland underlain by resistant sandstone and acid soils, except where streams and rivers cut through. A bituminous coal basin runs across the plateau at the northern end of Centre county parallel to the Allegheny Front. The Ridge and Valley province is characterized by broad fertile limestone valleys and high, forested, sandstone ridges. Historically, development was focused on these valleys, taking advantage of the iron ore and agricultural attributes. .. .--.-_-_.__, ...... Union Township is situated near the center of Centre Coun~.Bald Eagle Creek and Bald Eagle Mountain form its southeastern boundary. The Allegheny Front marks its northwestern boundary. Mountainous land characterizes the entire area; consequently, the topogra hy is varied throughout, and steep in many places. The highest elevation in the township, 2830 feet, occurs in two locations in the northwestern corner of the township. Bald Eagle Mountain reaches the 1700-foot range near the northeastern corner of the township. .The .lowest points of the township occur along the Bald Eagle Creek. A 740-foot elevation is - found in the northeastern part of the township along that waterway. Slope. Slope determines the areas in which construction can occur and the types of 'construction that are feasible for particular locations. Slope also has a significant impact on excavation requirements, sewage requirements, and construction cost. Slope is expressed as a percentage; it is the inclination of the surface of the land relative to the horizontal datum. For example, one percent slope is equivalent to a one foot vertical deviation over one hundred feet of horizontal distance. The following table presents the four major slope categories with their associated suitable development types. 0 TABLE 2 Slope Categories SLOPE SUITABLE DEVELOPMENT USES 04% Generally economically capable of large scale or intensive land use development, including but not limitedto industrial areas, commercial complexes, major public facilities, and hibh density residential developments 8-15% Intensive and large scale land usesU are less feasible; single family high density development is possible 1525% Scattered low density residential development and other less intensive uses; these areas should be utilized only after less steeply sloped areas have been ' : developed Over 25% Generally unsuitable for building purposes; best suited to passive recreation and conservation areas The majority of land in Union Township falls into the steep slope categories of 15 to 25 percent and 25 percent and over. These slopes predominate along the southeastern border, along Wallace Run, and just south of Wallace Run. Low slopes of 0 to 8 percent are found along all of the waterways and in larger pockets along the northwestern border. ' Moderate slopes of 8 to 15 percent are found in small pockets throughout the township. The slopes of Union Township are illustrated on Map # 4. Drai,nage/Flood Plains Drainage is the natural process of the downhill flow of all water from the land to the seas and the means by which the water is carried. The land areas that contribute water to ditches, .. - -__-_~ -. - -_ sewers, channels, streams, and rivers are called drainage basins. Drainage basins are 9 .I directly determined by the topography of the land. .. .. ;.,.: ' ' .... " . -...... _ . 10 I Union Township lies within the Susquehanna River drainage system. The immediate area is drained by the Bald Eagle Creek, which flows through the eastern part of the township along the western base of the ridge of the same name. Dicks, Dewitt, Bush Hollow, Brower Hollow, Wallace, Rock Cabin, and Birch Lick Run help drain the area. These waterways flow into the Susquehanna River and ultimately to the Atlantic Ocean. L Flood plains are areas of land adjacent to waterways that are susceptible to flooding. The -100 year flood plain is an area of land that can be expected to flood once every I00 years. It is important to identify the locations of flood plains in a community to protect the floodplain itself, and to protect human life and property. In Union Township flood plajns have been identified in several locatioqs. The largest area borders the Bald Eagle Creek in the southeastern part of the township. Other identified floodplains include smaller areas of land along the southern ends of Dicks Run, Dewitt Run, and Bush Hollow Run, and along the eastern portion of Wallace Run. The flood plains of the township are illustrated on Map # 5. Soils # The types of soils present within a given location have a direct relationship to agricultural pursuits, construction, and development. Soil type determines agricultural productivity, natural drainage characteristics, building foundation requirements, and sewage disposal requirements. Hydric Soils and Prime Agricultural Soils found in Union Township are identified on Map #6. Hydric soils are soils that are saturated with water. Identification of these soils is important because the existence of hydric soils is one ihdication of the potential existence of wetlands, and because hydric soils are typically good for agricultural pursuits, but not for development. In Union Township hydric soils are located primarii along Bald Eagle Creek and Dewitt Run. Smaller pockets of hydric soils spread outward from Dicks'Run, Dewitt Run, Bush Hollow Run, and Brower Hollow Run in the southeastern half of the township. A long, slender band of hydcic soils is also present along the eastern end of Wallace Run. a The Soil Conservation Service designates soil types through county surveys. Among other categories, soils are classified according to eight productivity ratings, with 1 being the most productive and 8 being the least productive. Soils with a rating of 1 or 2 are classified as Prime Agricultural Soils. These soils are best suited for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops, and are available for cropland, pasture land, range land, and forest land. The growing season, moisture supply, and a variety of soil characteristics including soil temperature, Ph, depth to water table, flooding characteristics, erosion characteristics, and rock content are all considered in this designation. In Union Township long, slender bands of Prime Agricultural Soils are found along Dicks Run, Dewitt Run, Bush Hollow Run, Brower Hollow Run, and Wallace Run. Pockets of these soils are also found along Bald Eagle Creek and throughout the central part of the township. 12 I. .. .. .. __ -...... -..- .. -...... - .. -- -_ . . 1.. 1; .. :SOILS -MAP II .. r ! .. '.. .. . .-1 ...... CONSTRAINTS MAP 1 Wetlands Wetlands are transitional lands between terrestrial and aquatic systems. They are areas that are covered by water or have waterlogged soils for long periods during the’growing season. Plants growing in wetlands are capable of living in saturated soil conditions for at least part of the growing season. Wetlands include swamps, marshes, bogs, meadows, and - similar areas. Swamps and marshes are often easily recognized; however, many wetlands are not so easily identified because they are dry during part of the year. These types of wetlands include, but are not limited to, bottomland forests and pine savannahs. The identification of wetlands is important for both the protection of the wetlands and the protection of human life and property. Development in close proximity to wetlands can compromise the soundness of construction and can endanger the water, plant, and animal life associated with wetlands. In addition, Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires that anyone interested in depositing dredged or fill material into a wetland must receive authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps bases its determination on three characteristics -vegetation, soil, and hydrology. In most cases, wetland indicators from all three characteristics must be present during some portion of the growing season for an area to be a wetland. Descriptions of these determining characteristics are included below. Vegetation Awetland typically has plant communities that commonly occur in areas having standing water for part of the growing season. Nearly 5,000 plant types in the US. may occur in wetlands. The most common wetland plants .are cattails, bulrushes, cordgrass, sphagnum moss, bald cypress, willows, mangroves, sedges, rushes, arrowheads, and water plantains. Trees with shallow root systemF, swollen trunks, or roots growing from the trunk above the soil surface may also indicate the presence of a wetland. Soil Wetland areas typically have soils that are called peak or mucks. There are approximately 2,000 named soils in the U.S. that occur in wetlands. Visual indicators of these soils include: soils with a thick layer of decomposing plant material on the surface, bluish-gray or gray soil below the surface, sandy soil with a layer of decomposing plant material at the surface, sandy soil with dark stains or dark streaks of organic material in the upper layer below the surface. (For more information on these hydric soils, see above.) Hydro/ogy Wetland areas often occur in a floodplain or otherwise have low spots in which water stands at or above the soil surface during the growing season. Some wetland areas are periodically flooded by tides, even if only by strong, wind-driven, or spring tides. Visual indicators include standing or flowing water during the growing season, waterlogged soil during the growing season, water marks on trees, drift lines (small piles of debris oriented in the direction of water movement), debris lodged in or piled against trees, and thin layers of sediment deposited on leaves or other objects. In Union Township the National Wetlands Inventory has identified 40 wetlands. These wetlands are located primarily along Bald Eagle Creek and the streams in the southeastern part of the township. Most of the wetlands are less than one acre in size; few are larger than five acres. Most of the wetlands in the township are designated PUBHh or PFOIA. These -. designations, and others represented in the township, are described in the table below. Bald Eagle Creek has been designated at R2UBH. (See next page.) The wetlands of Union Township are identified on Map # 7. V 'J . ...... ~ ~ . 6 TABLE 3 WETLAND CLASSIFICATIONS IN UNION TOWNSHIP I - Wetland System Class Subclass Water-regime PEMlA Palustrine Emergent Persistent Tem porarily Flooded -~~ PEMl C Palustrine Emergent Persistent Seasonally - Flooded I PEMlCd Palulstrin Emergent Persistent Seasonally , Partially Flooded Drained/ Ditched I PEMl Eb Palustrine Emergent Persistent Seasonally Beaver Flooded/ I Saturated ~~~ ~~~~~ PFOlA Palustrine Forested Broad-leaved Temporarily deciduous Flooded PUBHh Palustrine Unconsolidated --- Permanently Bottom Flooded -- 1 * PUBHx Palustrine Unconsolidated --- Permanently Bottom Flooded P FO/EM Palustrine Forested/ road-leaved Temporarily 1A Emergent ieciduousl Flooded Persistent ~ ~~~~~~~~ P SS/EM Palustrine Scrub-Shrub/ Broad-reaved Temporarily IA Emergent deciduous/ Flooded I Persistent P Ss/EM Palustrine Scrub-Shrub/ Broad-leaved Seasonally 1c Emergent deciduous/ Flooded Persistent ~~~ ~ ~ P SS/EM Palustrine Scrub-shrub/ Broad-leaved Seasonally Partially ICd Emergent deciduous/ Flooded Drained/ Persistent Ditched R2UBH Riverine/ Unconsolidated ---- Permanently 1 Lower Bottom Flooded Perennial Source: National Wetlands Inventory, US. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.I 1 I I- I . Natural Resources Union Township has abundant natural resources. Forest lands, game, and natural sites arp all discussed below. Forest Lands Union Township is situated in the Appalactiian Oak Forest of .. Pennsylvania, the common forest of the Appalachian Mountains. In this tall, broadleaf deciduous forest, white oak and northern red oak are dominant trees. Other species include sugar maple, sweet birch, bitternut hickory, beech, tulip poplar, white pine, scarlet oak, scrub oak, chestnut oak, and black oak. Some of the best white pine areas of the country were located in this region; many of the white pine stands contained volumes exceeding 100,000 board feet to the acre. The virgin timber was cut between 1860 and 1921. Today, professionally administered forest management programs oversee the development and use of second-growth hardwood forests in the state forests of Pennsylvania, including the Moshannon State Forest, the easternmost portion of which extends into the western part of Union Township. The Moshannon State Forest comprises 183,918 acres of land that are primarily situated west of the township. Black Moshannon State Park, situated near the center of the State Forest and easily accessible from the township on S.R. 504, covers approximately 3,500 acres of land, including a 250-acre lake. As a result of wise use and management, a wide variety of game species exist in and around the forest area. Consequently, State Game lands No. 103 extend throughout the northwestern portion of Union Township. Species include deer, turkey, bear, squirrels, and grouse. Birds, rodents, and reptiles are qso prevalent, and streams in the region are home to native and stocked trout. Campsites, jeep trails, and hiking trails also exist in this part of the township. V Minerals and Related Resources In Union Township, shale pits are mined along the Bald Eagle Valley. Natural Heritage Resources In 1991 the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy produced a report entitled The Centre County Natural Heritage Inventory. In that report the Conservancy identified several significant natural sites that are contained wholly or partly within Union Township. These sites are described below. Bear Rocks is a site of high significance. The Bear Rocks are extremely large, nearly square, coarse sandstone blocks that cover the top of a hill northwest of Wallace Run and extend along the crest for nearly a mile. A geologic oddity, the area supports a rare acidic rocky summit community and an oaks and ericaceous shrub community. Bobcat, bear, porcupine, raccoon, and other wildlife inhabit the caves between the rocks. Benner Run, a site of high significance, is an Exceptional Value Waters as * designated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources. A small portion of the site extends into the western corner of Union Township. B Rock Run (2), a site of high significance, is also designated as an Exceptional Value - -_ __. stream. A small portion of the site extends into the western corner of Union .Township. 20 8 Wallace Run, a site of high significance situated in State Game Lands No. 103, is also designated as an Exceptional Value Waters. This creek has one of the most undeveloped watersheds in the county. Wingate/Milesburg Floodplain Forest, a site of high significance, is a remnant of a forest type that probably covered a large portion of the Bald Eagle Creek Valley. The floodplain supports American sycamore and silver maple. A portion of this site _. extends into the southeastern corner of the township. The Bald Eagle Creek, in the southeastern portion of the township, was identified as a third priority nominee to the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Program. Heavily used by sportsmen, the creek is scenic and remnant high quality natural communities do exist along its banks. The report recommends that dumping and sedimentation at the site cease, and that the banks be fenced and stabilized where livestock have access. It is also suggested that logging on the steep slopes of Bald Eagle Ridge be carefully managed to keep erosion to a minimum. V - -~ Summary of Findings The geologic structure underlying Union Township is composed of ten formations that consist primarily of sandstone, limestone, and shale. m The topography of Union Township is mountainous. Elevations range from 760 feet .* along the Bald Eagle Creek to 2430 feet in the western part of the township. 15 percent slopes and higher are common in the township. The steepest areas are along the southeastern border and along and just south of Wallace Run. . A narrow, flat valley extends for the length of the township in and northeast- southwest axis near the southeastern edge of the township. Most of the development within the township has occurred in this valley as well as the Borough of Unionville. The water resources of the township are plentiful. Flood plains are present along most of the waterways. Hydric soils and Prime Agricultural Soils are exist along and near the waterways of the township. Numerous wetlands have been identified throughout the township. Natural resources are abundant in the township. They include state forest lands, state game ladds, shale deposits, and natural heritage sites. V I. . .,.._ ... ~ 22 EXISTING LAND USE A Land Use Study is the study, classification, and analysis of the "man-made" features of the earth's surface. A knowledge of existing land use patterns and their relationship to each other must be developed in order to formulate a plan for the future orderly growth and development of the community. I .I -' Land use information has a wide variety of applications. These applications include: 'the planning of future utilities such as sewer, water, and power; transportation facilities; parking areas; community growth and expansion centers; and future land requirements. In order for land use information to be available, a land use inventory and study must first be performed. A land use study identifies, classifies, records, and analyzes the existing use of the developed land of the community according to the land's functional activities. Although the land use pattern of each community is unique, they all contain three (3) basic classifications of land use: residential, commercial, and industrial. In classifying the land use of Union Township the three basic classifications have been expanded and classifications for public and semi-public uses, streets and alleys, wooded, and vacant land have been added. The following land use categories have been chosen to cover all the land use activities existing in Union Township: single-family residential, two-family residentia1,multi-familyresidential, commercial, light industry, heavy industry, semi-public, public, churches, streets and alleys, parking, vacant land, and wooded. The results of the land use study are presented in the form of an existing land use map and a statistical summary. Refer to Map 9, Existing Land Use Map, and Table 4, Existing Land Use Summary. Residential Of all the land uses present in the community, residential is of most concern to the average citizen. Residential areas are where people spend most of their time and have their greatest investment - their homes and property. The proper development, preservation, and upgrading of these areas should be of the utmost concern to all members of the community. V In classifying the residential areas of Union Township, three (3) categories have been chosen: single-family residential, two-family residential, and multi-family residential. Single family residential areas are composed of detached housing units and their properties accommodating only one family. Two-family residential areas are composed of structures and their properties accommodating two (2) f amilies. M ulti-family residential areas are c ornposed o f s tructures and t heir p roperties accommodating more than two (2) families. Commercial The portions of the Township devoted to commercial activity are classified as neighborhood business, highway business, or central business. Neighborhood business includes commercial activities that provide necessary services for the daily operation of the household. Such businesses ' serve only a small portion of the total community. They include such establishments as delicatessen stores, barber shops, beauty parlors, local grocery stores, and local drug stores. .. . . ._.,. ._.. .~... -...... 1- ... I. .- & .: :*.I- . - .. . ._ 1 Industrial Two categories of industry are recognized .in the Township: light industry and heavy industry. Included in the light industry category are industrial operations which involve the fabrication, assembly, storage, or packaging of a product. This type of industrial operations usually does not present any serious discomfort to the neighboring propedes in the form of - - noise, smoke, odor, and traffic congestion. Activities in this category include printing and publication plants, milk and bottling plants, baking plants, laundry and dry cleaning plants, tinsmith, meatpacking plants, and textile plants. Heavy industry is confined to the primary manufacturing of a product. Activities in this category usually present serious discomfort to the neighboring properties in the form of noise, smoke, odors, and traffic congestion. Included in this category are industrial activities such as paper mills, railroad repair shops, rolling mills, chemical plants, and oil refineries. Agricultural Lands classified as Agricultural are those lands and acreages actively engaged in the production of agriculthal products such as food crops, milk, beef, pork, etc. Public/Semi-Public . Areas designated as public are lands developed by public funds and are usually operated ' as part of governmental function. Activities that are included in this category include city halls, fire houses, post offices, public hospitals, libraries, museums, schools, parks, and playgrounds. 6 Areas classified as semi-public are lands developed by a limited group of people for their own use with limited public control and accessifility. Such, uses include churches, private schools, service clubs, cemeteries, lodge halls and fraternal organizations. Streets and Alleys Areas classified in this category include the areas of the rights-of-way of all the dedicated streets and alleys throughout the Township. Many townships with a static or declining population have a large amount of land dedicated to roads - roads that used to serve a larger population. Many of these roads become a burden on the involved municipality as they must be maintained for fewer people using a declining tax base. Vacant Land Land classified as vacant is not being used presently for any of the above activities. Non- agricultural fields and vacant lots are included here. This land is yet to be developed, and provides an outstanding opportunity for proper planning and design for future orderly growth and development of Union Township. - -_--_^I - ... - -_ r Wooded Lands classified as Wooded have a dense to moderately dense forest cover, and are covered with no type of man-made development. These lands are not necessarily in the production of forest products. i - - State Game Lands Add from sheets Land.Use Summary m Land Use Classification Area (In Percent of Percent of Acres) I Developed Area I Gross Area I I I Single Family Residential 1846.11 12.46 6.21 Seasonal Residential 56.48 .38 .19 ~ ~~~ Ag ricuIt u ra I 3293.86 22.23 11.08 State Game Lands # 103 8297.08 55.99 27.91 Commercial 115.% .78 .39 Industrial 56.48 .38 .19 Pubiic/Semi-Public 44.59 .30 .15 Streets 1 108.85 7.48 3.73 TOTAL DEVELOPED AREA 14,819.40 100.00 49.85 Vacant 1165.35 0 3.92 Wooded 13743.25 0 46.23 TOTAL UNDEVELOPED 14,908.60 0 50.15 AREA GROSS AREA 29,728.00 0 100.00 ...'. .;.: ..,...... ;.._ ..A'.'-._._ .... C.. 26 I. Existing Land Use Summary The following are the more significant conclusions drawn from the information shown on Table 4 and graphically depicted on Map 9. rn The majority of the Township is undeveloped by any measure. Fcrlly 50 percent of .. the land area is classified as either vacant or wooded, while another 28 percent of the land area is within the State Game Lands. H . Agricultural uses are important comprising more than 11 percent of the total land area of the Township, and 22 percent of the developed area. This is considerably more than for residential, commercial and industrial uses combined. Agricultural uses are located in the southeastern and central sections of the Township, generally within the area bound by the railroad and U.S. 220 and the State Game Lands. rn Residential uses are fairly scattered in the central and southeastern sections of the Township, with some concentrated area along U.S. 220 and PA 504. There are some seasonal residential uses in the central and northern sections of the Township. 0 The relatively few commercial and industrial uses are located between U.S. 220 and the railroad. Together these uses account for a very small percentage of either developed or total land area. Overall, development is concentrated in the central and southeastern sections of the Township. Much of the interior and northern sections remain undeveloped. L V ...... __.” ...... - ._. 27 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC STUDY The transportation network forms the basis for the movement of goods, people and services throughout the Township of Union. Transportation is the framewofk on which a community bases its decisions regarding land use and zoning. Smooth, practical, safe movement of - traffic within a community is essential for proper future growth and development. Easy access to and from a region’s residential, commercial and industrial sections is also important in relation to the maintenance of the basic elements of community infrastructure. This ‘part of the Background Studies will review road and street classifications, traffic volumes, existing transpoqation systems and other related information. Classification of Highways and Roads *. According to figures and measurements, there are approximately 20.35 miles of State maintained roads in the Township of Union. This is in addition to the numerous local streets and roads maintained by the Township. These streets vary in cartway, length, surface type, and the type of service provided. The relevant categories of roadway service defined by the United States department of Transportation are described below: General Classification In community planning terminology, the following . presents the general accepted classification of highways and roads within a municipality including a township: b Arterial, major Major arterial roads handle high volumes of traffic generally traveling long distances. Local and Interstate highways are cwsidered to be major arterials. These roads are usually limited access and have at least four lanes of traffic. US Route 220 through Union Township falls into this classification. AHerial. minor Minor arterials are streets with signals at important intersections and stop signs on side streets. These streets collect and distribute traffic to and from collector streets. SR 504 is an example of this road classification. : Collectors Collectors are streets that collect traffic from local streets and connect with major and minor arterials. Most of the Township routes fall into this classification. Local street A local street provides vehicular access to abutting properties and , discourages through traffic. This class of street carries traffic between collectors and loop streets, residential streets, cul-de-sacs, alleys, and parking connectors. Its primary function is that of land service. Streets within Union vile are representative of local streets. Cul-de-sac sfreef. A cul-de-sac is a street with a single common ingress and egress and a turn around at the end. ..__ Dead endstreet . A dead end street has a single common ingress and egress. 28 Sewice street A service street runs parallel to a freeway or expressway and serves abutting properties. Dualstreet A dual street has opposing lanes separated by a median strip, center island, or other form of barrier, and can be crossed only at designated locations. .. Expressway An expressway is a divided multi-lane major arterial street for through traffic, with partial control of access and grade separations at major intersections. ' Freeway A freeway is a limited access highway with no at-grade crossings. 1-80 is an example of this highway classification. ,. Paperstreet A paper street is one that has never been built, but is shown on an approved plan, subdivision plat, tax map, or official map. Public Road means any road under the jurisdiction of and maintained by a public authority and open to public travel. 0 I Rural Classifications In addition to the foregoing community planning road classifications, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has classified the roads and highways of the Commonwealth into the following classifications: RuralArea Means all areas of a State npt included in,the boundaries of cities, boroughs, or other urban areas. Rural major Arterial Routes Means those public roads that are functionally classified as part of the rural principal arterial system of the rural major arterial system, as described in Volume 20, Appendix 12 of the Highway Planning Program Manual. Such routes serve coriidor movements having trip lengths and travel density characteristics that are indicative of substantial statewide and interstate travel. Such routes serve all, or virtually all, urban areas of 50,000 people and a large majority of those with population of 25,000 and over. RuralMinorArterial Routes Means those public roads that are functionally classified as a part of the rural principal arterial system of the rural minor arterial system, as described in Volume 20, Appendix 12 of the Highway Planning Program Manual. Such routes link cities and larger towns, and form an integrated network providing interstate and inter-county service. They are to be spaced at intervals, consistent with population density, so that all developed areas of the State are within a reasonable distance of an arterial highway. Such routes provide service to corridors with trip lengths and travel density greater than those predominately served by rural collector or local systems. Minor arterials therefore constitute routes whose design should be expected to provide for relatively high overall travel speeds with a minimum interference to through traffic. . . .. - - - - - Rural Major Collector Routes Means those public roads that are functionally classified as a part of the major collector subclassification of the rural collector system, as described, 29 in Volume 20, Appendix 12, of the Highway Planning Program Manual. Such routes provide service to any county seat not on an arterial route, the larger towns not directly served by the higher systems, consolidated schools shipping points, county parks, and important mining and agricultural areas, etc. 1 Rural Minor Collector Routes Means those public roads that are functionally classifiqd _..as a part of the minor collector subclassification of the rural collector system as described in Volume 20, Appendix 12, Highway Planning Program Manual. They are to be'spaced at such intervals, consistent with population density, to collect traffic and bring all .developed area5 within a reasonable distance of a collector highway. Rural Local Road Serves primarily to provide access to adjacent land. Such routes provide service to travel over relatively short distances as compared to collectors and other highway systems. The above are commonly accepted classifications of highways used in highway planning and project programming in rural areas. There are other definitions for urban areas, however, Union Township's developmental pattern and profile makes them inapplicable for local planning purpoSes in the Township. There are other types of highways, while not technically functional classifications, are useful for some aspect of highway planning. Establishing a list of highways which serve as the essential economic route for Pennsylvania was the focus of the Priority Commercial Network (PCN). PCN highways are those which carry 500 or more trucks per day and link centers of economic activity. This highway network includes those major transportation routes which are vital to the economic growth of the state. None of the local highways qualify for PCN designation based on documented traffic volumes, as will be revealed on TaQle 5 later in this section. Existing Transportation Facilities V Transportation facilities are the predominant manmade features throughout Union Township. The, major transportation feature within Union Township is U.S. Route 220 which traverses the entire length of the Township on and essentially north-south axis, A number of Township roads intersect at roughly right angles with U.S. Route 220 from the west. Refer to Map 10, for a graphic, representation of the road network within Union Township. In recent years, there have been a number of severe accidents involving automobiles and tractor trailers resulting in fatalities. This segment of highway has been classified as an intensified enforcement area by PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police. ' The major problem transportation facility within the Township is both the horizontal and especially vertical alignment of U.S. Route 220. The truck traffic carried by this highway will continue to use this route even after 1-99 is completed to 1-80. Improvements to the vertical and horizontal alignments are critically necessary, particularly through Unionville and also, of course, through the Township. The vertical alignment for this truck route is just . - horrendous. When this highway was constructed yearsago, very little cut and fill was used. The road just goes up and down over the topography. Old 220 through Union Township is' an extremely dangerous road. There is hardly any berm and both horizontal and vertical alignment is severe. the worst part of the highway is between Unionville, north to the 30 Township line near Milesburg Interchange with 1-80. 9. The site distances of most the roads that come down off the Allegheny Front that intersect with the U.S. 220 in Union Township are bad. Probably the best one for sight distance is Bush Hollow Road, Jacob’s Road is bad. The two major corridors of access to Union Township are U.S. 220 paralleled by the railroad which is now the Seadocoge Railroad, _-which used to be the Bald Eagle Railroad. A number of routes come down over thefront from the west and intersect with U.S. 220. .tr-8:. ). A most definite transportation advantage as far as potential future economic growth and development is the existence of the Railroad through the Township. Additionally, the fact that the gliderport is located in Union Township provides economic development potential as well as a tourism potential. The Keystone Gliderport at Julian is nationally known. The valley floor of Union Township to the south of Unionville is extremely flat and level. The intersection at Dicks Run and U.S. 220 appears to be adequate with few problems. However, the next intersection to the north, Rattlesnake Road intersects with U.S. 220 in Unionville does need a redesign. The angle of approach is an acute angle and the site distance to the east a’nd looking south is very poor. Meadow Road is the road down to the new development. Again, the major problem with U.S. 220 is the vertical elevation. At the Township Building (Donna Fisher’s house), the vertical site distance is extremely poor and the intersection here with Bush Hollow Road and U.S. 220 needs redesigned. Another bad intersection is to the north. The site distance to the north is not good and that’s Jacobs Road. Although the Planning Commission thought it was okay. The next intersection here is Gypsy Egypt Road is only fair. Quite a bit of development exists at the home sales and on to the northern edge of Union Townshipc In summary, the site distances on all the roads that come down off the Allegheny Front onto the existing U.S. 220 in Union Township are bad. Probably the bet site distance is Bush Hollow Road; Jacobs Road is pretty bad even though the Planning Commission did not think s6. Yeager H.ollow Road is a particularly bad intersection. There is a blinking yellow light on intersection at Beaver Road in the village of Julian a Other transportation facilities within the Township include: an active rail line the SEDA COG railroad located along the eastern edge of the Township which parallels U.S. 220 and the Keystone Gliderport at the southern part of the Township at the village of Julian. This gliderport is known worldwide for its most favorable microclimatic conditions for gliding and is a most definite asset to the Township. However, ingress and egress to and from US. 220 and the glider port is not adequate. Inventory of Roads This section reviews and summaries the State-maintained roadway system serving Township of Union. in various terms. Table 5 lists the roads in Township of Union which are maintained by the Commonwealth’s Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Traffic ., counts for various segments are the roads within the corporate limits of Union township. ,. __-- ~ - 31 I. ! Route ADT Length Truck Truck Large Large Classification .# Traffic Traffic Trucks Trucks Name % of % of # ADT # Trucks US220 4,540- 5.80 566- 12.5%- 434- 64.1%- Rural Primary 6,637 miles , 1,099 20.8% 878 79.9% Arterial SR504 806 5.55 45 5.6% 6 13.3% Rural Collector miles SR 427 3.50 39 9.1 % 10 25.6% Rural Collector 3030 miles SR 330 5.50 43 13.0% 1 2.3% Rural Collector 4004 miles The above information shows that U.S. 220 is the most dominant State highway in Union Township. This roadway is classified as a primary arterial highway and carries what can be viewed as a heavy traffic volume, with up to one-fifth of this volume consisting of trucks. Furthermore, there is a relatively high volume of large truck traffic ( i.e. having more than two axles) on U.S. 220 and only a light volume of hck and/or. large truck traffic on the other three state routes. U.S. 220 is a winding two-lane highway on an undulating profile, with speed limits varying from 35 mph to 55 mph. The highway is a regional artery and also provides access to the more developed southeastern section of the Township and Unionville borough. The segment of U.S. 220 in Union Township is the two-lane “middle link for regional traffic traveling between two important limited access highway segments, namely Interstate 99 presently terminating in the Tyrone/Bald Eagle area, and Interstate 80 in the Milesburg area. State Route 504 is also and important State highway I Union Township. This roadway is also classified as a rural collector, intersecting with U.S. 220 in Unionville Borough, which is surrounded by the Township. This highway carries what can be viewed as a low-to- moderate traffic volume, only a fraction of that carried by U.S. 220. This highway provides access to the central section of Union Township, including scattered and linear residential areas and agricultural lands, and carries traffic to and from nearby State Game lands and a State Park. SR 3030 traverses the sparsely populated southwestern section of the Township including a significant number of agricultural tracts. The traffic volume on this highway is about one-half that for SR 504, and the truck traffic volume is relatively low. The trafficvolume on SR 4004 is even lower than that on SR 3030, although the truck volume is actually a little higher. SR 4004 provides access to highly scattered residences in the central and eastern sections of the Township. State Routes 3030 and 4004 connect with 32 numerous Township Roads which in turn access residential and agricultural properties, and neither carry what can be described as high truck/large truck traffic volumes. Comparable information is not available for the Township Road system.. Major Township roads include T-300 (which connects SR's 504,4004 and 3030), T-345 (which also connects SR's 504,4004 and 3030), T-344 (Unionville Pike), and T-398 (which proiides local access - - in the eastern section of the Township and connects with U.S. 220). The Township Roads appear to function as Rural Local roads, as defined earlier in this section. The Highway Classification Map ( Map IO) graphically summarizes this information. The Map also notes that the road system is focuses in the central, southern and southeastern sections of the Township with large segments of the northern portion of the Township inaccessible via public roads. ,. The information reveals a number of factors related to the State-maintained highway system in Union Township, including: '. rn U.S. 220 is the major highway artery, carrying substantial volumes of vehicula$pc, , including a significant volume of all types of truck traffic. . ?>: 6 .x rn State Route 504 carries a modest volume of vehicular traffic including a relatively low volume of truck traffic. This roadway sewes as a rural connection and accesses individual properties Both SR's 3030 and 4004 are classified as rural collectors, but their relatively low volumes suggest that they essentially serve local traffic. I 4 Accident Analysis ,? * V $1 In addition to an inventory and classification of the system, a review of accidents on the roadway system in the Township over a time period is instructive in understanding how safely and efficiently a highway system works, whether any patterns emerge, and whether any special local issues exist related to traffic safety and movement. The information on Table 6 summaries data for reportedaccidents on both State and Township highways within the corporate limits of Union Township during the period 1/1/94 - 12/31/98. ...... _..,. - ... . . -. .. . 33 k TABLE 6 ACCIDENT SUMMARY; STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM 1994-98 Year Fatal Injury Property Total Percent ‘8 Accidents Accidents Damage Accidents .. Accidents 1994 0 9 9 18 24.0 1995 0 8 10 18 24.0 1996 0 -6 11 17 22.7 - 1997 1 5 2 8 -’ 10.7 1998 0 7 7 14 18.6 TOTAL I 35 39 75 100.0% Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Accident Records System; Traffic Accident History Repod, 1999. 0 The annual average number of accidents for this period is fifteen (I5). The annual variation is noteworthy, with accidents totaling over the average for three (3) of the five (5) years. Within the five-year period under review, accidents were more pronounced during the first three (3) years which time 71 percent of all the accidents occurred. It is worth noting, and probably not a surprise, that nearly 80 percent of all of the accidents during this period, and the one fatal accident, occurred on U.S. 220. The following further bummarizes the accidents reported during the period under review. w Collision Type: A total of 48 accidbnts, or 64% of the total, involved vehicles hitting fixed objects (Le. embankment, pole, etc.) while another 17 accidents, or 23% of the total, involved rear-end collisions betweq at least two (2) vehicles. Township-wide, there were relatively very few accidents involving two (2) vehicles (a) striking each other at angles (3 accidents), (b) side swiping (1 accident), and in head-on collisions . , (1 accident). rn Accident Severity: During the five-year period, 39 accidents, or 52% of all accidents, resulted in property damage only, while 35 accidents, or 47% of the total, resulted in injuries. There was but one fatal accident during the 1994-98 period. Table 6 shows that a significant number of accidents have occurred in Union township during the period under review. As noted, nearly eighty percent (80%) of all accidents , occurred on U.S.220, while nine percent (9%) occurred on SR 504, seven percent (7%) on , SR 3030, and five percent (5%) on SR 4004. These percentages approximate the relative volumes of traffic carried on these four roads. Overall, the accidents are of minor to moderate severity in terms of damage and I injuries. - I . - !: While by far most of the accidents occurred on U.S. 220, a major regional highway, providing access to Interstate 80, State College and Altoona. .. . ROADWAY CLASSIFICATION LEGEND -North Rural Collectors .. . TRAFFIC VOLUMES LEGEND INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES Infrastructure and Community Facilities ar&the basic services provided for the most pa0 by i the local government to insure the safety and well being of the inhabitants of the community. * Such facilities include: water, sewerage, fire protection, police protection, schools, parks and recreation, hospitals, churches, sanitation, and municipal buildings. The number and type of these facilities present in a community depend not only on the needs and desires of the citizens, but also on the funds available to construct them. The availability, quality, and adequacy of these facilities is a most important factor in insuring the orderly growth and development of the community and determining to a large measure the quality if life within the community. In analyzing the Community Facilities of Union Township, an invehtory of the existing facilities will first be made. Later in this report, in the Comprehensiv,e Plan, comparisons with accepted standards will be made and recommendations presented. '. Water I The vast majority of the Township inhabitants of the Township are supplied with water from on-site wells. The one exception to this are a few residents immediately adjacent to Unionville Borough are served by the water system serving the Borough. The existing water supply and distribution system service area for the Township is shown in on Map 12, the Sewer and Water Service Areas. Later in this report, recommendations will be made concerning the areas most' suitable for future development. From these recommendations, proposals will be prepared indicating additions and extensions to the present water distribution system which will be needed as the Township expands. Sewerage .I ThB sanitary, efficient, and economical collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage are of primary importance to every community. An efficient system servicing the developed areas of the Township is necessary to insure the health and welfare of all the community's residents. The provision of such a system is necessary to promote the future orderly growth and development of the community. At the present, the vast majority of Union Township is serviced by on-lot sewerage systems. These systems are primarily comprised of a septic tank and septic field or sand mounds. Refer to Map 12, Sewer and Water Service Areas for an indication of the sewerage service area within the township. Additionally, an interceptor sewer runs through the township from Unionville Borough north to the township border and then to Milesburg. This line is owned by the Mid-Centre County Municipal Authority. Later, recommendations will be made concerning the areas most suitable for future development. From these recommendations, proposals will be formed where additions and extensions to the present sewerage system will be needed as the Township grows. 37 Police Protection Police Protection is provided for the resident of the Township through the Pennsylvania State Police. The police headquarters are located near Bellefonte at Rockview numerous miles from the Union Township. .- Fire Protection Fire Protection for the Township is provided the volunteer fire company located in Milesburg. Libraries The public library serving Union Township is located in the Junior-Senior High School. Since the library is a part of the school facility, a good portion of its content is geared to the school age child. Approximately only 50 percent of the volumes of this library is of interest to adults. Schools Schools are the most vital facility of the community. They are directly related to the community’s social, economic, and cultural development. Since our democratic way if life demands a knowledgeable citizens are a product of today schools. In addition, the quality of education received determines the quality of the work force of the community. The school exerts a substantial influence on the surrounding areas of the community. An attractive and an efficient school is a major asset to the area it serves. In addition, to providing fundamental academic and technical education, the school offers facilities for extra curricular activities, special services, recreation activities, and neighborhood oriented civic activities. The location and adequacy of school sites and buildings are, therefore, an important consideration in the community’s comprehensive long-range development program. Elementary school students of Union Township attend Bald Eagle Elementary School. The secondary students attend the Bald Eagle High School located in Boggs Township, just north of Union Township on US 220. Parks and Recreation The provision of adequate recreational facilities is a most vital role for every community. In our forefather’s generation, working hours were long and the work was physically demanding. Little time or energy was left for recreational activity. The provision of recreational facilities was therefore of lessor importance than it is today. However, today our modern economy provides a work day that has become shorter. Few occupations today demand more than an eight hour day. Leisure time has increased. Coupled with this ’ increase in leisure time is the mounting emotional and mental strain and lack of physical activity that has become inherent in today’s society. 39 Further need for recreationalfacilities exists for the school age child during summer vacation months and after school hours. Programs must be provided to channel this leisure time into wholesome and constructive activities. A passive type of recreation is also needed for our growing number of retired senior citizens. It is therefore imperative that a community provides an adequate number and variety of recreational facilities for all age groups of its citizenry. At present no park and recreation facilities are provided within the Township. To utilize facilities such as parks, playgrounds, and playfields Township residents must travel to surrounding municipalities. There are recreation facilities are available in neighboring Unionvilie Borough and the village of Julian. Hospital The hospital facilities available to the inhabitants of the Township and the immediate surrounding areas are provided by the Center Community Hospital. The hospital is located near State College just off US 322. Solid Waste The safe, sanitary, and economical disposal of solid waste has posed a challenge for communities since their early development. ’ Various methods have been employed in different communities, not all methods have proven to be satisfactory. At the present time, the Union Township utilizes collection.by a private hauler and with the solid waste being disposed of in a state approved landfill. Additionally, as part of the Centre County’s countywide recycling program, recyclables are collected and recycled. At present, the landfill method of garbage disposal offers the most costs effective method of of solid waste disposal. Municipal Building The functions of the municipal building for the Union Township is presently located in the home of the Township Secretary. Within this office, most of the governing operations of the Township are conducted including meetings of the Township Board of Supervisors and the Township Planning Commission. Additionally, equipment and materials for the maintenance of township roads are located at the Township maintenance building in the northern portion of the Township just east of US Route 220. Airports The airport facility serving Union Township is located just west of State College southeast of the Township and within easy driving distance. Both private and commercial carriers use this airport. ...... - . .- ...... , .- 40 Summary of Conclusions The following are the major conclusions drawn from the foregoing analysis of this section: Water and sewerage service is not entirely adequate throughout the Township. A number of on-lot sewage disposal systems are known to malfunction; some on-lot wells are contained by bacteria. Police protection is marginal, particularly in the enforcement of traffic laws. Fire protection is adequate as provided by the Volunteer Fire Company. The closest public library is contained in the new Bald Eagle Junior-Senior High School and in Bellefonte. The schools serving the Township are considered adequate. The parks and recreation areas within the Township are not adequate to meet present anticipated future needs. The deficiency is greatest in the case of playgrounds and playfields. The hospital facilities available to the Township by the Centre County Hospital are quite adequate for the present and future needs of Township residents. The disposal of solid waste and the collection of recyclables is adequate throughout the Township and Centre County. ... . 41 POPULATION AND HOUSING This chapter provides an overview of the foundation of the community, its population. Information is presented and analyzed on the population of Union Township in relation to the population, the population change over recent decades, the racial, age and sex characteristics of the population, the educational background of the population, the profile of households,. and population projections. The information on the local population base is presented with figures for Centre County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to provide a comparative context. Population and Population Change r. r, Table 7 provides an overview of the population of the Township in each of the last Census years, those being 1970, 1980 and 1990, and an analysis of population change during this period. 4 TABLE7 .A POPULATION CHANGE 1970-90 UNION TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY AND PENNSYLVANIA I ~ ~ FACTOR ' UNION TOWNSHIP CENTRE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA 1970 Population 809 99,267 11,766,310 1980 Population 1,139 112,760 11,864,720 Absolute Change 1970- +330 +13,493 +98,410 80 Percentage Change 40.80% 0.136 +0.8% 1970-80 ~ 1990 Population 895 123,786 11,881,643 Absolute Change 1980- -244 +11,026 +16,923 90 ~~~ __ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ Percentage Change -21.4 +9.78 +0.14% 1980-90 Absolute Change 1970- +86 I +24,519 1 +115,333 90 I I Percentage Change +10.63 +24.7 +0.98% ' 1970-90 42 J Age and Sex Table 8 provides a comparative profile' on the age characteristics of the population for 1980 and 1990. In 1980 and 1990, the percentage of the Township population under 18 years of age, respectively 33 percent and 28 percent, was higher than the same percentages for Centre County and higher but closer to the percentages for Pennsylvania. .At the other extreme of the population base, the percent of the population over 65 years of age, in 1980 and 1990 again, was far below that figure for the Commonwealth and closer to that for Centre County. The Census error may affect the reliability of additional analyses, however the percentage decline in the population under 18 years of age between 1980 and 1990, which was three times than the percentage change for the Commonwealth and five times greater than the figure for the County. At the same time, the 6 percenj increase in the number of persons over 65 years of age between 1980 and 1990 is a fraction of the 31 percent increase experienced by Centre County, and over three times that for the Commonwealth during the same period. At the same time, the median age for Union Township residents is only notably higher than that for the County as a whole, and slightly lower than that for the Commonwealth. The above suggest a growth in the middle population of the Township. TABLE 8 AGE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION 1980 AND 1990 UNION TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY AND PENNSYLVANIA FACTOR I UNION TOWNSHIP I CENTRE COUNTY I PENNSYLVANIA 1990 Population less than 18 250 22,653 , 2,792,186 years - Number I I ~ ~~~~~ I ~ ~~ 1990 Population less than 18 27.9% 18.3% 23.5% years - Percent 1980 Population less than 18 378 24,248 3,116,699 years - Number 1980 Population less than 18 33.2% 21.5% 26.3% years - Percent I I I Change 1980-90 in -128 (-33.9%) -1,595 (-6.6Yo) -324,513 (-10.4%) population under 18 years of age 1990 Population greater than 80 11,141 1,829,773 65 years- Number 1990 Population greater than 8.9% 9.0% 15.4% 65 years- Percent 1980 Population greater than 85 8.498 1,525,079 years- Number 65 . 4 1980 Population greater than 7.5% 7.5% 12.9% 65 years- Percent Change 1980-90 in -5 (+5.9%) +2,643 (+31.1%) +304,694 (+19.97?'0) population over 65 years of am . - ...... MianAge -1 990 .. . . _.. . -...... 32.0 .. .. 26.0 --34.0 43 Table 9 summarizes the sex characteristics of the local population for 1980 and 1990. There have been some changes during the period under review. Specifically, in 1980 the female percent of the population was higher than thmor the County but slightly below that for the State. By 1990, the female percentage'has closer to that for Centre County and below the percentage for Pennsylvania. TABLE 9 SEX CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION 1980 AND 1990 UNION TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY AND PENNSYLVANIA I FACTOR I UNION TOWNSHIP I CENTRE COUNTY I PENNSYLVANIA I 1990 Population 895 123,786 11,881,643 Number Female 432 59,665 6,190,336 Percent Female 48.3% 48.2% 52.1% Number Male 463 64,121 5,691,307 beycent Male I 51.7% I 51.8% I 47.9% I 1980 Population 1,I 39 112,760 11,864,720 Num ber Female 585 54,753 6,175,623 bercent Female I 51.4% I 48.6% I 52.1 I (Number Male I 554 I 58,007 I 5,689,097 I Percent Male 48.6% 51.45% 47.9% Racial Characteristics Table 10 presents the racial characteristics of the population in a comparative format for 1990. As is obvious, there were no minorities residing in Union Township in 1990, at a time when minorities comprised nearly 6 percent of the population of Centre County, and over 11 percent of the statewide population. In the case of the County, it is interesting to note that the percentage of the population categorized as Black is well below the same figure for Pennsylvania. ... . . , ...... _...... _.. . _. .. . a $4 TABLE 10 1 RACIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 1990 POPULATION I UNION TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY AND PENNSYLVANIA FACTOR UNION TOWNSHIP I CENTRE COUNTY I PENNSYLVANIA I 19 1990 Population 895 I 123,786 I 11,881,643 I Percent White 100.0% 94.16% 88.5% Percent Black 0.0% 2.27% 9.2% Percent Other 0.0% 3.57% 2.3% Races : $puree: U.S. Cens ! i Mousoholds and Families ! " At first glance the terms "household" and "family" may be viewed as being synonymous, however, there is an important distinction between them. Simply stated, a household is one or more persons living together in a housing unit, while a family is two or more related persons living together under the same roof. Thus, a household may include a family, a single person living alone, and two or more unrelated persons living together. To put it another way, every family is a household, but not every household is a family. Table 11 summarizes information for households and families in Union Township during 1980 and 1990. Trends involving families and households in Union Township between 1980 and 1990 vary considerablyfrom those in Centre County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Again, the degree this variation reflects the Census error is not known. Between 1980 and 1990 the number of households in Union Township declined from 355 to 310, reflecting nearly a 13 percent decrease. At this same period, the number of households significantlyincreased in the County, and more incrementally increased statewide. Similarly, between 1980 and 1990 the number of families in Union Township declined from 306 to 252, reflecting nearly an 18 percent decrease. At this same period, the number of families significantly increased in the County, and again more incrementally increased statewide. It is interesting to note that during 1980 and I990 the average household size in Union Township was larger than that for Centre County and the State of Pennsylvania. Even with the decline in household Size between 1980 and 1990, households in Union Township are generally larger than those in the County and State. 45 TABLE 11 HOUSEHOLD AND FAMILY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION 1980 AND 1990 UNION TOWNSHIP,' CENTRE COUNTY AND PENNSYLVANIA FACTOR I UNION TOWNSHIP I CENTRE COUNTY I PENNSYLVANIA I I I I I I Number of Families 252 26,359 3,155,989 1990 Number of Families 306 23,836 3,134,322 1980 Change 1980-90 -54 (117.6%) +2,523 (+10.6%) +21,667 (+0.7%) Number of Households 31 0 42,683 4,495,966 1990 Number of Households 355 36,122 4,219,606 1980 Change 1980-90 +-45 (-12.7%) +6,561 (18.2%) +276,360 (+6.5%) Persons per 2.89 2.55 2.57 Household 1990 Persons per 3.21 3.1 2 2.81 Household 1980 Educational Level A final demographic characteristic of the population base reviewed here, is the highest educational level attained by the population over 25 years of age. We can refer to this segment of the population as the adult residents of the Township. Table 12 provides this information, again on a comparative basis. The data shows that slightly over one-half of the adult population has a High School education, as the highest educational level achieved. This is considerably higher than the percentages of State and County adult residents having no education higher than a high school diploma. The percentage of local residents not finishing high school is similar to that for the Commonwealth, but considerably higher than that for Centre County. At the other end of the spectrum, a much lower percentage of local adult residents have bachelor and/or ..graduate degrees than Pennsylvania, and especially, Centre County residents. The percentage of Union Township adult residents having an Associate Degree is nearly identical to the percent for the County and the Commonwealth. , . .. -. _.__ . _. .._ . . ... EDUCATIONAL UNION TOWNSHIP CENTRE COUYTY PENNSYLVANIA LEVEL ACHIEVED Less than 9" grade 55 (9.2%) 4,033 (6.1%) .. 741,167 (9.4%) 9" - 12" grade (no 103 (17.2%) 6,838 (1 0.3%) 1,253,111 (1 5.9%) diploma) - High School graduate 309 (51.7%) 22,957 (34.6%) 3,035,080 (38.6%) Some College (no 36 (6.0%) 8,016 (12.1%) 1,017,897 (12.9%) degree) Associate Degree 28 (4.7%) 3,072 (4.6%) 412,931 (5.2%) Bachelor Degree 47 (7.9%) 11,113 (16.6%) 890,660 (1 1.3%) Graduate Degree 20 (3.3%) 10,327 (15.6%) 522,086 (6.6%) TOTAL 598 66,356 7,872,932 Population Projections .q s' Table 13 delineates the actual population of Union Township foiihe period 1950 - 90, and the projected population for 2000 and 2010. The historical data provides the context for the projection created by using a curve-fitting/extrapolationtechnique. A geometric curve was selected for U nion T ownship u sing s everal inp ut ev aluation p rocedures, inc luding a coefficient of relative variation test. The curve was then fitted to the Township's census statistics and extended through the projection period. In essence, the projections should be read as premised on the assumption that the population growth and decline patterns exhibited by Union Township since 1950 will continue until 2010. Please note that all trends should be tempered by the lingering confusion over the effect of the U.S. Census error. . .. ._. ..,... < - ... 47 YEAR POPULATION _. I 1950 I 683 I ~~ 1960 694 1970 809 1,139 2000 1,131 (projected) I 201 0 1,254 (projected) ~ If historical trends since 1950 continue, the Townsh,ip is expected to experience a 26.4% population increase between 1990 and 2000 (note impact of U.S. Census error correction), and another 10.8% increase between 2000 and 2010. The population increase for the 20- year period between 1990 and 201 0 is 359 persons, representing an increase of 40%. The data in the table above is graphically shown below. FIGURE 1 ...... ~...... 'It is the opinion of Township officials that a section of the Township was missed in the 1990 Census of Population and Housing. 48 _, HOUSING This chapter provides an overview of a significant resource of the community, namely its housing stock. In a large measure, the condition, type and age of housing units define not '*; " only present conditions in the community, but future potentials as well. Again, information is presented in a comparative format for Union Township, Centre County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Age of Housing Units Table 14 provides an overview of the age of the housing stock of Union Township. The figures reflecting the years housing units were built suggest a relatively new housing stock in the Township. In percentage terms, the dominant period for housing construction in Union Township was the decade of the 1970'~~at which time a 38 percent of the 1990 housing stock was constructed. The percentage for the County was somewhat lower (23%) and that for the State (16%) was considerably lower during this same decade, even though the 1970's was predominated construction in the County as well. TABLE 14 AGE OF HOUSING STOCKNEAR HOUSING UNITS BUILT - NUMBER AND PERCENT OF TOTAL UNITS UNION TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY AND PENNSYLVANIA YEARS HOUSING UNION TOWNSHIP CENTRE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA UNIT BUILT 1989-90 9 (2.4%) 929 (2.0%) . 73,954 (1 5%) 1985-88 36 (9.66) 4,631 (10*.3%) 271,938 (5.5%) ~ 1980-84 25 (6.71) 4,012 (8.7%) 266,690 (5.4%) I 1980-90 I 70 (18.8%) I 9,572 (20.7%) I 612,582 (12.4%) I 1970-79 143 (38.3) 10,862 (23.5%) 778,612 (15.8%) 1960-69 40 (10.7%) 7,815 (16.9%) 612,604 (12.4%) 1950-59 46 (12.3%) 5,564 (12.0) 720,956 (14.6%) 1940-49 9 (2.4%) 2,578 (5.6%) 478,061 (9.7%) 1939 and earlier 65 (17.4%) 9,804 (21.2%) 1,735,325 (35.1%) TOTAL 373 46,195 4,938,140 MEDIAN YEAR 1972 1967 1954 BUILT Conversely, the pre-I 940 era dominates as the period in which the largest percentage of the statewide housing stock was conqtructed, since over one-third of the Pennsylvania housing stock was built prior to 1940, while'only 17 percent of the Union Township housing stock was built during this same period. While the data for 1980-90 suggest that housing construction slowed for all jurisdictions compared, the percentage of the present Union Township housing stock built between 1980 and 1990 (18.8 %) was still above the percentage for the Commonwealth (12.4%) and close to that for Centre County (21 %) . Finally, the median year built figure for the Township of 1972 is somewhat higher than that for the County (Le. 1967) and considerably higher than that for the Commonwealth (Le. 1954), again reflecting the relatively new local housing stock. More recent housing construction data for the 1990-97 period made available by the Centre County Planning Office reinforces the profile resulting from the U.S. Census data. During the period, 74 units were constructed in Union Township, representing an increase of 21.4 percent at a time of a 13.6 percent increase county-wide. While this increase is noteworthy in terms of the relative change in aggregate units and the percentage increase, and in the change in the six communities in the Upper Bald Eagle Region (i.e. 13.1%)of the County, there were substantially higher aggregate and/or percentage increases elsewhere in the County, especially in the Centre Region and in the Townships of Liberty and Marion. Tenure of Housing Table 15 reviews certain aspects related to the tenure of housing units in the Township, including ownerkenter occupation and vacancy of units. The figures strongly reinforce the fact that the Township is a place where most people own their own homes, since over 86 percent of the units are owner-occupied. This figure is considerably higher than the rate for the State where 70.6 percent of the units are owner-occupied, and for the County where approximately 60 percent of the units are owner-occupied. Conversely, a lower percentage of the units are rental units. The high rental rate for Centre County reflects in part the influence of university related housing. TABLE 15 TENURE OF HOUSING UNITS: 1990 UNION TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY AND PENNSYLVANIA I TENURE UNION TOWNSHIP CENTRE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA Owner Occupied 268 (86.5%) 25,531 (59.8%) 3,176,121 (70.6%) ,Renter Occupied 42 (13.5%) 17,152 (40.2%) 1,319,845 (29.4%) Total Occupied 310 42,683 4,495,966 Vacant 35 3,512 442,174 Total Units 345 46,195 4,938,140 50 II' 'J Those 35 units defined as vacant housing units in the Township represent 10 percent of the total Township housing stock, higher than the 7.6 percent vacancy rate for Centre County and the 9 percent figure for the State. It should be noted that vacancies are necessary to assure an adequate supply and choice for people wishing to move into the community, although the IOpercent rate for Union Township is somewhat higher than necessary for this. Table 16 further analyzes the vacant unit situation. Very few of the vacant units in, the Township are for rent or for sale, or are classified as seasonal units, suggesting the . existence of long-term vacant units. The percent vacant is higher than that for the County and especially the State, even when considering net vacant units (Le. total vacant units less units for sale, for rent, and seasonal units). The data show that very few seasonal homes are located in the Township. TABLE 16 HOUSING UNIT CHARACTERISTICS I990 UNION TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY AND PENNSYLVANIA FACTOR I UNION TOWNSHIP I CENTRE COUNTY I PENNSYLVANIA Occupied Units 310189.9%) 42,683(92.4%) 4,495,966(91 .O%) Vacant '35(1 0.2%) 3,512(7.6%) 442,174(8.95%) Vacant for Rent 4 (1.2%) 955 (2.1%) 102,774(2.1 %) Vacant for Sale 1 (0.3%) 274 (0.6%) 48,763(0.98%) Seasonal Homes 10 (2.9%) 1,443(3.1%) 144,359(2.92%) Net Vacant Units 25 (7.3%) 2069 (4.5%) 297,815 (6.0%) (less Seasonal) pvprcrowded N/A N/A 82,518 (1.8%) qnitq (greater than rl.01 personslroom) Size of Units Table 17 summarizes information related to the size of housing units in the Township, again in a comparative manner. The data suggest a lower percentage of very small and small homes (Le. 1-4 rooms) and of the very large homes (i.e. 8-9rooms and larger), but a higher percentage of moderate to large sized homes (i.e. 5-7rooms) than is true for Centre County or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I ',..'"" . ~ ...... 51 I.. TABLE 17 HOUSING UNIT SIZE AND VALUE 1990 UNION TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY AND PENNSYLVANIA FACTOR UNION TOWNSHIP CENTRE PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY Size 1 Room 1 (0.3%) 1,328 (2.9%) 54,056 (1.1%) 2 Rooms 2 (0.6%) 2,737 (5.9%) 118,931 (2.4%) 3 Rooms 13 (3.8%) 4,848 (I0.5%) 398,919 (8.1 %) 4 Rooms 37 (10.7%) 7,486 (16.2%) 708,783 (14.4%) 5 Rooms 100 (30.0%) 7,903 (17.1%) 890,483 (18.0%) 6 Rooms 86 (24.9%) 8,240 (17.8%) 1,211,468 (24.5%) 7 Rooms 56 (16.2%) 5,443 (1 1.8%) 695,647 (14.1%) 8 Rooms 29 (8.4%) ' 4,027 (8.7%) 461,824 (9.4%) 9 Rooms or more 21 (6.1%) 4,183 (9.1%) 398,029 (8.1 %) TOTAL 345 46,195 4,938,140 ~ Value ~ Median Rent $159 (49.4%) $401 (124.5%) $322 (100%) (Percent of Statewide Median) Median Value of $59,000 (85.5%0 $74,700 (107.1 %) $69,700 (100%) Owner-Occupied Units (Percent of Statewide Median) Source: US. Census, as synthesized and analyzed by RCS&A, Inc., 1998. It is interesting to note that the median rent is a fraction of that for Pennsylvania, and even a lower fraction than that for Centre County. This latter factor may further reinforce the lack of impact of the university housing market on Union Township. .. ... 52 Type of Housing Table 18 provides a profile of the type of housing found in the Township. Single-family detached housing, that is a single house on a single lot, overwhelmingly predominates the housing stock. Over three-quarters of the housing in the Township is within this category, clearly higher than the percentages for Centre County (54.9%) and Pennsylvania (53.4%). Conversely, the supply of single-family units attached to other single-family units and all of the medium-to-high density housing is considerably below that for the County and for Pennsylvania. The relatively large supply of moderate-to-high density housing in Centre County again may reflect the impact of university housing. TABLE 18 TYPE OF HOUSING: TOTAL UNITS UNION TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY AND PENNSYLVANIA SIZE/TYPE UNION TOWNSHIP CENTRE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA I Detached - single 264 (76.5%) 25,375 (54.9%) 2,6636,631(53.4%) Attached - Single 5 (1.5%) 2,180 (4.7%) -. 2 unit structure 6 (1.7%) 1,723 (3.7%) 279,700(5.7%) 3/4 unit structure 2 (0.6%) 1,611 (3.5%) 227,788 (4.6%) I 5-9 unit structure 0 2,266 (4.9%) 171,041 (3.5%) I I 10-19 unit structure 0 2,843 (6.2%) 149,419(3.0%) 2049 unit structure 0 2,752 (6.0%) 99,244(2.0%) i 50+ unit structure 0 2,647 (5.7%) 144,428(2.9%) Mobile Homes 65 (18.8%) 4,102 (8.9%) 254,920(5.2%) Other 3 (0.9%) 696 (1.5%) 65,293(1.3%) TOTAL 345 46,195 4,938,140 While there are fewer moderate density housing structures in Union Township and no high I density structures, the percentage composition of mobile homes is more than double the i rate for the County and three and one-half times that for the State. The 65 mobile homes in the Township account for nearly 19 percent of the total housing stock. Stated in another way, nearly one in five housing units in the Township in 1990 were mobile homes. I .. z'.. .. , -...... 53 Summary of Housing This chapter has shown that Union Township has a housing stock characterized as being relatively new, single-family detached owner-occupied units of a moderate size and value, The supply and choice of rental units appear to be very limited, as is the supply of multi- family units. A significant portion of the housing stock is comprised of mobile homes. There appears to be a relatively high number of long-term vacant in the Township, not'on the market and not used as seasonal homes. Finally, the impacts of the growth of the Pennsylvania State University has had limited if any impacts on the housing stock of Union Township, although this may change in time as the geographic area impacted by the University continues to grow. - ,. ,. . .. , . , ...... - . . d 54 .. ECONOMIC PROFILE I This chapter provides a profile of the local economic base in terms of employment and .~!.. . income characteristics of residents of Union Township. Similar figures are given for Centre - County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania so that trends and compari.sons may be determined. .. Occupational Profile Table 19.provides information on the local labor force residing in Union Township in terms of the occupations of local residents. TABLE 19 EMPLOYMENT FORCE CHARACTERISTICS: EMPLOYMENT BY OCCUPATION IN 1990 UNION TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY AND PENNSYLVANIA OCCUPATION UNION TOWNSHIP CENTRE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA MANAGERIAL 27 (5.9%) 5,915 (1 0.2%) 610,637 (11.2%) PROFESSIONAL 52 (1 1.4%) 1*1,986(20.7%) 756,447 (13.9%) ~~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~ TECHNICAL 21 (4.6%) 2,835 (4.9%) 205,051 (3.8%) SALES 33 (7.2%) 5,641 (9.8%). 605,915 (11.1%) ADMINISTRATIVE 78 (17.1%) 9,408 (1 6.3%) 912,845 (16.8%) HOUSEHOLD 3 (0.7%) 162 (0.3%) 15,050 (0.3%) SERVICES PROTECTIVE 7 (1.5%) 907 (1.6%) 85,556 (1.6%) SERVICES OTHER SERVICES 31 (6.8%) 7,517 (13.0%) 607,914 (1 1.2%) ~~ ~ ~~ -~ FARMING AND 1,466 (2.5%) 90,255 (1.7%) FISHING PRECISION 85 (18.6%) 4,684 (8.1%) 628,076 (1 1.5%) PRODUCTION MACHINERY 39 (8.5%) 2,784 (4.8%) 419,553 (7.7%) OPERATORS TRANSPORT 21 (4.6%) 1,904 (3.3%) 237,902 (4.4%) OCCUPATIONS LABORERS 51 (11.2%) 2,600 (4.5%) 259,331 (4.8%) TOTAL 457 57,809 5,434,532 55 The data show a very large percentage of workers in precision production and laborer occupations, and a large percentage in machinery operation occupations when comparisons are made with County and State statistics. Conversely, there are significantly lower percentages in managerial, professional, "other" services and sales occupations,. when compared to figures for Centre County and the Commonwealth. Otherwise, the occupational profile for the Township appears to be closer to that for the Commonwealth than to that for Centre County. At the County level, the predominance of professional and "other services is noteworthy, especially in relation to the relative lack of these segments in Union Township. pusiness,,,I,' . Profile Table 20 views the local labor force in a little different terms, specifically the fypes ofl businesses in which the labor force is employed. To understand the difference between the occupational profile in Table 19 and the industrial profile in Table 20, consider the following illustration. A manager of a health care facility and a manager of a bank would both be classified as managerial on Table 19, but the health care manager would be in the health services segment and the bank manager would be in the finance, insurance and real estate segment on Table 20. Table 20 shows that one-fifth of the Township labor force is involved in manufacturing, either in the manufacture of non-durable goods or durable goods. This is considerably higher than the figures for the County (13.4%) or the State (20%). Durable Goods manufacturing is especially important for the Township labor force, in that 17.5% of the labor force is involved in this segment. While higher wage and salary levels have been historically associated with the manufacturing segment, manufacturing tends to be subject to changes, cycles and gyrations in the larger economy. In addition in the larger economy, manufacturing wages have decreased since the early-I 980's as the manufacturing economy changed. The importance of education in the Centre Cwnty economy is reflected by the figures, since, over 28 percent of the County labor force is involved in this field. The percentage for Union Township is somewhat lower (i.e. 18.6%) but still significantly higher than that for the Commonwealth (i.e. 8.2%). That portion of Union Township residents involved in health care services mirrors the County figure but is slightly lower than that for the State. Likewise, that portion of the local labor force involved in non-durable goods manufacturing, wholesale trade, and financial and related services approximates the rate for the County but is below that for the Commonwealth. That portion of Township residents employed in transportation is higher . than that for the County but below that for the State. Otherwise, that portion of the Township labor force involved in construction, Communications/Public Utilities, business services, personal services and public administration more closely resemble the profile for the County and the State. Overall, the local labor force shows some sense of diversity even though the manufacture ... . -- of durable goods is an important industry for residents of Union Township. 56 I TABLE 20 EMPLOYMENT FORCE CHARACTERISTICS: EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY IN I990 UNION TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY AND PENNSYLVANIA INDUSTRY UNION TOWNSHIP CENTRE COUNTY ~ PENNSYLVANIA I PIGRICULTURE, 12 (2.6%) 1,474 (2.5%) 97,811 (1.8%) 1 FISHING AND I FARMI NG MINING * I 1 (0.9%) I 285 (0.5%) 31,396 (0.6%) I 331,161 (6.1%) I NON-DURABLE 1 2,465 (4.3%) 445,349 (8.2%) MANUFACTURING ~~ I DURABLE 80 (17.5%) 5,260 (9.1%) I 641,871 (11.8%) MANUFACTURING --1 I TRANSPORT 21 (4.6%) COMMUNI CAT10 N 14 (3.1%) 842 (1.5%) 134,992 (2.5%) AND PUBLIC UTILITIES - ~~ ~~ WHOLESALETRADE I 9 (2.0%) 1,121 (1.9%) 1234,880 (4.3%) I RETAIL TRADE I 60 (13.1%) 10,138 (1 7.5%) 931,987 (17.1%) FINANCE, 18 (3.9%) 2,251 ( 3.9%) 351,519 (6.5%) INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE BUSINESS SERVICES I 14 (3.1%) 1,795 (3.1%) 236,825 (4.3%) PERSONAL I 16 (3.5%) 1,638 (2.8%) 138,027 (2.5%) SERVICES RECREATION I 3 (0.7%) 1 690 (1.2%) 1 56,928 (1.0%) SERVICES I HEALTH SERVICES 28 (6.1%) 3,355 (5.8%) SERVICES OTHER 28 (6.1%) 3,871 (6.7%) 352,988 (6.5%) PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PUBLIC I 21 (4.6%) I 1,717 (3.0%) I 218,606 (4.0%) ADMINISTRATION I TOTAL I 457 I 57,809 5,434,532 .. ., ..,. _...... , . . . . 57 Income Profile Table 21 summarizes information related to the 1990 income level of residents of Union . Township, again within the comparative framework of Centre County and the Commonwealth. The median household income for Township residents was $25,562, which was below that for the County and 89.6% of the same figure for the State: As is true in most places, the median income for families was higher, however, the $29,010 figure is somewhat below that for the County and on 83 % of that for the State as a whole.' At the same time, the 40 persons classified as being in poverty represented 4.2% percent of the population, a percentage considerably lower than that for Centre County (18.2%) and less than haif the figure for Pennsylvania (11.1%). The financial profile suggests that the Township residents are slightly less affluent than are residents of the County and the State at large. TABLE 21 INCOME CHARACTERISTICS 1990 UNION TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY AND PENNSYLVANIA ~~ I FACTOR I UNION TOWNSHIP CENTRE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA ~~ ~~~~ Median Household $25,562 (87.9%) . $26,060 (89.6%) $29,069 (1 00%) Income (Percent of Statewide Median) Median Family $29,010 (83.2%) $34,313 (98.4%) $34,856 (1 00%) Income (Percent of Statewide Median) Number of Persons 40 19,748 1 1,283,629 in Poverty Percent of 4.2% 18.2% 11.1% Population in Poverty Source: U.S. Census, as synthesized and an; ped by RCS&A, Inc., 1998 Summary of Employment and Income The predominance of employment among Township residents in the durable goods manufacturing industries reinforces the similar preponderance of precision production and machine operator occupations. This suggests a skilled labor force. The Township does exhibit some sense of economic diversity and does not show an over-reliance upon the educational services segment a fact that generally exists in Centre County as a whole. The diversity may partially explain the relative affluence of the local labor force, and the concurrent lack of a poverty problem. , ,_ , ..,. . . ..' , .. .- ...... -. 58 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES STATEMENT The Goals and Objectives have been formulated through a formalized process iniolving citizen participation; the Union Township Planning Commission, elected, officials of the municipalities, the general citizenry, and the municipalities’ planning consultant, Richard C. . Sutter & Associates, Inc., Comprehensive PlannersILand PlannerdHistoric Preservation Planners. As a prerequisite to the work performed upon the Goals and Objectives formulation process, a set of definitions has been utilized throughout the process of Goals and Objectives Statement preparation. These definitions follow: GOALS: Goals are defined as a general value statement of long-range direction or ideal, unconstrained by time, which identify desired states of affairs toward which activities and resources can be directed. Goals reflect the community’s needs and values and give meaning, purpose, and direction to the day-to-day planning and development decision being made by the municipalities of the study area and other local decision-makers.” Progress toward the achievement of Goals can be accomplished through the application of policies and the attainment of short-range objectives and the accomplishment of corresponding projects and programs. OBJECTIVES: Objectives are defined as measurable or quantifiable statements which are constrained by time. They are very specific in nature and are indicated for accomplishment within specified and limited time frames; i.e., one (1) year and three (3) years.” The attainment of groupings of Objectives will ultimately result in positive progress toward the achievement of a given Goal. POLICIES: Policies are defined as definite courses or methods of action uniquely tailored to aid in the formulation and guiding of the community planning and development decision-making process.’’ For the effective advancement toward the attainment of Goals and Objectives and their corresponding projects and programs, specifically designed Policies must be formulated. To be most effective, Policies must be formulated in light of existing and anticipated conditions and must be applied uniformly and consistently over time. It is through the implementation of Policies (the means) that it is intended to achieve the Goals and Objectives (the ends). .. ._- _...... - . 59 Purpose: The principal purpose of a statement of Goals and Objectives is to provide a means of direction and guidance to the planning and development activities throughout Union Towns hip. Process: The process of formulating "Goals and Objectives" involves: the inventory and analysis of needs, issues, resources, problem, and opportunities of the study area and its member municipalities; the formulation ofdong-range Goals based upon this inventory and analysis; the formulation of short-range Objectives usually one (1) year and three (3) years; and the identification of projects needed to attain these stated Objectives. Additionally through the planning process, a prioritizing of projects is performed. As time passes, a periodic (usually annual) Measure of Attainment is performed. The Measure of Attainment provides an indication of the manner in which the study area municipalities and its constituent municipalities are moving toward the achievement of their stated Goals and toward the attainment of their Objectives and projects. The statement of Goals and Objectives and the Measure of Attainment are community executive management tools to improve the allocation of resources (natural, financial, manpower, and time) toward meeting the most critical needs of Union Township and its constituent municipalities ad determined from the evolving recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan components being advanced by the * Planning Commission. Ideally, the formulation of Goals and corresponding Objectives is a cooperative undertaking by local government officials, the general citizenry, and the technical guidance of planning professionals. They are intended to directly respond to the wants, needs, and desires of the community. The process of formulating Goals and Objectives and resultant projects is ongoing and is one of the major tools which the Union Township Planning Commission and the elected officials possess to effectuate the recommendations and projects emerging from the various Elements of the Comprehensive Plan. For an indication of the process followed in the formulation of the Goals and Objectives refer to Figure 2 on the following page. The citizens' participation process which was utilized appears on Figure 3. ------.. Process Flow Chart ...... 4...... 0...... I DE NTI FICAT1 0 N 0 F...... 0. :- .. :i .: .. :: a ISSUES .. :: AS A RESULT OF .. :: PUBUC .. 0: 0 PROBLEMS WORKSHOP(S) 0; AND SURVEY jo 0 OPPORTUNITIES QUESTlO"AIRE(S) @i .. ..0. FLOWING INTO (AND FORMUMnNG) .. .. . 0 GOALS .. . 0. .. 0. .. 0. *a. *. 0 OBJECTIVES .. .*. 0. 0... *e. *. *. 0.. 0. .. **. .. *a. .. *. .a. -0. 0 TASKS 0. .. 0. -0. .. -0.. 0. .. 0. *. **e. .. 0. *e. .. .e. 0 SUB-TASKS **. **. *... 0. 0. .. *e. 0. .. **. .. 0. .. 0. *e. 0. 0 *. '. 0. RESPONSIBIUTY i 0. .. 0. .. *-. 0. ASSIGNMENTS .. -0. .. **. ***. *. 0... *e. .. 0. 0. 0. 0. .. 0. .. **. *. -. 0. .. 0. 0. '***...+FEEDBACK ...... '0. 0...... )LOOP...... POLICIES: APPLIED CONSISTENTLY I ANP UNIFORMLY OVER TIME. KEY EARLY IN THE FORMUlAnON " PERFORM ON AN ONGOING BASIS: @ OFTHECOMPREHENSIVE ' PLAN 0 MONITOR NEAR THE CONCLUSION ,\ . EVALUATION .I a @ OF THE COMPREHENSlVE . . -.--_ADJUSTMENT - - -. (MID COURSE CORRECTION) PLAN Process Flow Chart Comprehensive Plan Adoption 2 Public Notices** Submit Plan to Counv, Contiguous Municipalities, '.1 School Districts + (Commission) Up to 45 Days ...... comment Forward Public7 Meeting Concerns and Planning Forward Review Comments Agency Recommendations to the Governing Body +I Govaning ' '4 Body ...... "...... 1 2 Public Notices** Governing Body Public Hearing Governing Body Adoption By Resolution ...."_...... _I ...... " .... **"Public Notice" consists of a notice published once each week for two .successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the municipaliLy. Such notice shall state the time and place of the meeting or hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered at the hearing. The first publication should be not more than thirty (30) days, and the second not less than seven (7) days, before the date of the activity. ROURD C. SmRand ASSOCIATES. Inc -non.m PImnnuuLana Pbnnan Wmnc PmaowaOon Pbnmn GOAL: To ensure the future orderly growth and efficient future development of Union Township, Centre County OBJECTIVES: 8 To develop areas adjacent to existing development, where feasible, to enable the most efficient and economical provision of basic community services. 8 To discourage future "strip" development along highways and encourage "infill" development within the existing Township and the existing developed areas. 8 To provide adequate oversight of subdivision and land development to assure that public concerns with accessibility, storm water management, on-lot sewage disposal, water supply, and other factors are taken into account. 8 To adopt and enforce land'use ordinances, (e.g., Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, Historic District Ordinance, lnfill Standards, etc.) As found necessary to assure the orderly development of the municipality. GOAL: To promote harmony between existing development,future development, and the natural environment. . - OBJECTIVES: \::I 'I .I ? To identify and preserve prime commercially viable land. rn To increase recreational opportunities and preserve open spaces. 8 To encourage the preservation of historic sites and buildings within the municipality. I 8 To enforce regulations with illegal dumping and promote recycling and proper waste disposal. 8 To enable the creation of clean businesses and industry with new employment opportunities. GOAL: To provide adequate water and sewerage services to the developed and developing areas of the Township to insure a safe and saniQry environment in which to live and work. OBJECTIVES: I' I To improve distribution systems for water and work to maintain and improve water quality serving the residents of the Township. ...... 63 To provide sewerage facilities, as necessary, to maintain the quality of the existing water supply and prevent ground water contamination. I To require new residential and commercial developments to tie into public water and sewer systems. GOAL: To provide an adequate level of community facilities and services which are easily accessible to the general citizenry. OBJECTIVES : I To p rovide adeq uate m aintenance f or ex isting community f acilities and services to assure their longevity in serving. the residents of the Township. I To incorporate community facilities and services recommendations into a Comprehensive Plan for Union Towrlship. GOAL: To assure that opportunities for adequate housing are available for all residents of Union Township. OBJECTIVES: To take the necessary steps to ensure the architectural integrity of the structures throughout the Township. I To provide a program for housing rehabilitation for low- and moderate-income homeowners. I To provide opportunities for the development of all forms of housing within the Township. Incorporate these opportunities into a Comprehensive Development Plan. GOAL: To assure that a safe and efficient transportation network is maintained within the Township. OBJECTIVES: ' I To work to improve and maintain State Route 504 over its entire length through the region. I To work to assure other state, county, township, and borough roads and streets are maintained at an acceptable level throughout the region. I To assure that adequate signage and signalization is provided for all roads and streets. , - .. .. _. -...... - . . .- .-...... '? :4t 64 , ... To provide candidate transportation projects for inclusion in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Twelve (12) Year Improvements Program. GOAL: To provide an Ongoing Comprehensive Community Planning process and provide a framework into which water and sewer plarrning will fit. .. OBJECTIVES: rn . To review the content, proposals, and reuommendations of all water plans and Act 537 Plans of the Township. To initiate implementation of the recommendations for water and sewer systems. rn To prepare and submit applications fbr financial assistance to PennVest, HOME, CDBG, RUS, CFA, and others to construct community water and sewer systems as well as other community facilities. To undertake a Comprehensive Development Plan update every ten (IO) years. To guide future development in an orderly manner consistent and compatible with existing development. To adopt the appropriate land use controls including: Zoning Ordinances, and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances, as required to preserve existing properties and guide future development in the'Township. To strengthen the working relationship between the Townships of the Region and the Centre County Planning Commission. GOAL: To assure an adequate institutional, organizational, and administrative structure to address existing problems and capitalize upon future opportunities of Union Township. OBJECTIVES: rn To institute an arrangement with the Centre County Planning Department to share technical staff. rn To institute an ongoing education and training program for the elected officials, planning committee,members, and staff. GOAL: To preserve the environment of the Township as the community .- continues to grow and sewer and water issues become more demanding. 65 Y OBJECTIVES: To prevent development where soil and slope characteristics are unsuitable , for development. w To prevent any development which relies on on-lot systems from densities .. which could lead to nitrate pollution. w To maintain existing on-lot sewage disposal systems in good working order. U To minimize visual pollution through the enactment and enforcement of I development ordinances and controls. I GOAL: To preserve and conserve the Heritage Resources throughout the Township. OBJECTIVES: To explore a potential Historic District in conjunction with the Borough of Unionville. U To prepare and formally submit a nomination to both the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission and the U. S. Department of the Interior for the ' potential Historic District for the Township and the Borough of Unionville. To formulate an Historic District Ordinance for implementing the provisions of the Historic District. m To form a base for Historic Preservation of individual properties. GOAL: To work toward the achievement of goals and objectives while maintaining balanced financial resources. OBJECTIVES: To minimize costs for capital improvements to both the homeowner and to local public agencies. . U To minimize the cost of maintenance and administration of Township facilities and services. rn To maximize sources of outside funding from the private sector (developers, builders, etc.), state, and federal resources. GOAL: To promote business expansion and retention with emphasis upon heritage tourism throughout the Region. 66 OBJECTIVES: I To retain existing business enabling business growth. . To stimulate the creation of new businesses in the Region. ... To attract clean, moderately sized businesses to the Region. r To implement a marketing program for business development. rn To provide financing to business start-ups. w To provide technical assistance to start-up businesses. GOAL: To improve the skills of the work force of the Region. OBJECTIVES: h 4 To improve the quality and availability of vocational-technical education. rn To develop post secondary education opportunities and facilities through cooperative agreements with institutions outside the Region. . To obtain funding from state and federal sources for local investment in facilities and programs. 67 PLAN OVERVIEW Plan Overview The foregoing analysis and synthesis of past and existing conditions resulted in the identification of a series of findings an conclusions. Additionally, the needs assessment undertaken with the elected and appointed officials of union township resulted in tan identification and understanding of the issues, problems, and opportunities of the Township. The Centre county of Today and Tomorrow published in 1995 of survey results was also considered. The results of the past and existing conditions analysis and the results of the needs assessment have been utilized as the basis for the formulation of the Statement of Goals and Objectives of this Comprehensive Plan. The Goals and Objectives in turn provide directions and guidance to the future development of Union Township. For this purpose of implementing the Goals and Objectives, a series of initial recommendations have been prepared. These recommendations will form the transition between the background Studies and the Comprehensive Plan. The initial recommendations follow: LAND USE AND HOUSING Recommendations: Encourage In-Fill Development Recommendation: Encourage Cluster Develo(;ment Recommendation: Closely monitor and guide growth occupancy along US. Route220 Recommendation; Discourage “Strip” development Recommendation: . Preserve agricultural land, woodland, and open space Recommendation: Institute effective land use controls Recommendation: Prohibit future development in the 100-year floodplain Recommendation: Provide for rehabilitation of substandard housing throughout the Township TRANSPORTATION Recommendation: Continuously lobby PennDOT for the reconstruction of US. Route 220 through Union Township Recommendation: Continue to lobby for lower speed limits and better traffic .- _. enforcement on U.S. 220 68 Recommendation: Reconstruct intersections of State Routes and Township Roads with U.S. 220 Recommendation: Encourage continuation of the SEDA-COG Railroad through the Township Recommendation: Encourage continuation and build upon the gliderport at Julian Recornmendation: Provide more road signs throughout the Township COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES Recommendation: Construct a Township Municipal Building Recommendation: Establish a township park and recreation area Recommendation: Provide sewer system to the more developed areas of the Township Recommendation: Continue to encourage recycling Recommendation: Prohibit illegal roadside dumping IMPLEMENTATION AND STRATEGY Recommendation: Continue to review subdivisions and land development throughout the Township Recommendation: Continue to administer the provisions of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act 537 Recommendation: Adopt a Zoning Ordinance for the Township ZONING ORDINANCE t. Recommendation: Prepare a Model Zoning Ordinance Recommendation: Adopt the Zcrtiing Ordinance Pecommendation: Administer the Zoning Ordinance (possibly in partnership with one or more other Centre County municipalities) Recommendation: Monitor effectiveness of the Ordinance .yponguidir@dhe . ...~. _. - . .._ ...... " . 69 . ._...... r.. FUTURE LAND USE AND HOUSING PLAN LAND USE PLAN ELEMENT Of all the major plan elements of the Comprehensive Plan, the Land Use Plan Element will have the most direct influence upon insuring the future orderly growth and development of the Township. The objective of the Land Use Plan is to formulate a proposed pattern of land uses to the year 2020. By basing this proposed pattern upon sound community planning principles, the most orderly and systematic development of the community is assured, and undesirable land use relationships can be prevented. In formulating the Land Use Plan, a number of factors must be considered. Primarily . important among these is the location and amount of both developed and undeveloped land within the Township. This was accomplished in the Land Use Study which included an inventory of the land use throughout the township on a parcel by parcel basis. This inventory was also mapped. Physical characteristics of this land such as underlying geologic structure, soils, slope, natural drainage, floodplains, and wetlands must be identified and analyzed. A suitability for development composite or development constraints map was prepared. Refer to the map on page 68. Not only must the undeveloped land of the community be considered in the Land Use Plan, but also the existing developed land. Where the land has been developed in the past, some major mistakes have been made. Primary among these has been the mixing of incompatible land uses and the poor placement of major traffic arteries in relation to development concentration. Solutions to these problems are provided by the Land Use Plan Element in conjunction with the Transportation Plan Element, the Community Facilities and Services Plan Element, and the Housing Plan Element of the Comprehensive Plan. In addition to analyzing the developed and undeveloped land of the community, an estimate of the future land use requirements should be made in light of the future population estimates and anticipated economic development. In view of the stage of development that Union Township is at present, a build out analysis is not thought to be necessary at this time. The Land Use Plan is presented in the form of a Future Land Use Map. Before preparing the Land Use Plan Element, definite requirements for the land to be 'devoted to each land use classification must be assigned. Development pressure can occur for a variety of reasons and will affect land uses in different ways. All land uses have varying requirements; hence, the stage is set for interuse conflicts to arise. It cannot be assumed that all vacant land has the same development attributes, but the availability of municipal water and sewer service will measurably improve the desirability of any potential development site. Guided by careful community planning, future development should be based on the principles which follow: .. .. , ...... 70 The Goals and Objectives for the Land Use Plan Element include the following: LAND USE GOAL To ensure the orderly and efficient development of Union Township - H.. To reuse any existing developed land and structures throughout the Township. H To use each parcel of land for the purpose to which it is best suited and most beneficial to the Township as a whole. rr To encourage balanced development among the various land uses. ! To promote the development of industry by locating and preserving sites that have favorable physical characteristics, adequate transportation, and adequate utilities. rn To prevent undesirable land use inter-relationships by eliminating or preventing the mixing of incompatible land uses, e.g., single family homes, intensive industrial operations, business, mobile home parks, commercial signs, etc. H To protect and preserve the value of the residential areas of the Township, and maintain the rural character of the countryside rather than permitting the indiscriminate spread of low-density residential and other types of development scattered throughout the entire Township. H To encourage the concentration or clustering of development to avoid scattered and unrelated land use patterns and thereby enabling the most efficient and economic provision of basic community facilities and public utilities. B To concentrate development within and adjacent to existing development, thereby enabling the most efficient and economic provision of basic community facilities and public utilities. To provide adequate public open space and outdoor recreation facilities for present and future population throughout the Township. H To provide adequate oversight of subdivision and land development to insure that public concerns with accessibility, storm water management, water supply, sewage disposal, and other pertinent and unique factors are taken into account. To ado pt and enf orce I and u se o rdinances, s uch as a z oning o rdinance, as .. necessary to assure the orderly development of the Township. H To encourage the "cluster" concept of land development to most efficiently utilize the land resources of the Township and provide for the provision of adequate open space in all new subdivisions and land developments. 71 I To develop land use policies which provide for, and strengthen, the current land use categories. To establish a continuing liaison with the Centre County Planning Commission in matters pertaining to land use. .. m” To participate in the administration and enforcement throughout Union Township of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance of Centre County. Once theavailable developable land has been identified, it is possible to delineate a future land use configuration for the various classifications. In addition to me suitability for development of the land, population projections and the level of economic activity help to determine where and how much of a given land area is needed to accommodate the various land use categories. Economic activity within the region and Centre County has played an important role in determining the number of people who live in the Township. Following are the land use classifications of Union Township. Residential The greater proportion of land to be developed in the future throughout Union Township will be in the residential category. The physical requirements for the land to be developed in a residential use include: (1) a stable underlying geologic structure that provides a good base for building (especially in consideration of underground caverns and streams on the valley floor); (2) soils suitable for a building base and also possessing good percolation particularly where on lot sewage disposal is contemplated; (3) slope from 8% to 24%; (4) good natural drainage; (5) a general attractiveness, and (6) not in proximity to objectionable land uses. In addition to the physical characteristics of the land itself, the location of the land in relation to other land uses and facilities is most important. These include: (I)convenience to places of employment, shopping, educational and recreational facilities; (2) buffering from major highways; (3) protection from incompatible and objectionable land uses (a separation and buffering of residential areas from industrial and intensive commercial uses); and (4) good accessibility to facilities of water and sewer service, police protection, fire protection, and health care. Commercial With the current trend of movement and regrouping of commercial establishments coupled with the ever increasing variety of these establishments, plus the accessability to major highways, a portion of the Township’s future development can be expected to fall into the commercial classification. The physical requirements for land to be developed for a commercial use include: (I)a stable underlying geologic structure and soil that provides a good building base; (2) a slope of 0 to 8% (8% to 16% permissible for less intensive * commercial uses as neighborhood stores and shops); and (3) good natural drainage...... - Considering the location of the potential areas of commercial development, a number of factors is most important. These include: (1) availability of community facilities such as fire 72 and police protection; (2) availability of public utilities such as water and sewer service; (3) good access to and from supporting trade areas; (4) sufficient existing and potential population in the supporting trade areas; and (5) good competitive position in relation to existing and other proposed commercial areas. .. Igc(ustria1 Recognizing the need for a diversification of commercial and industrial enterprise in the Township to provide an increased number and variety of job opportunities, a portion of the Township's land should be reserved for industrial use. The physical requirements for land to be developed for industrial use include: (I)a very stable underlying geologic structure and soil that provides a good building base to support the large, heavy structures usually associated with industrial operations; (2) a slope of from 0 to 8%; (3) good natural drainage; (4) natural buffers between industrial areas and other uses; and (5) adequate area for landscaping, parking, and future expansion. The locational factors that influence the positioning of the industrial areas in relation to the other land uses of the community include: (1) availability of community facilities such as fire and police protection; (2) availability of public utilities such as water and sewer; (3) good access to major highways, railroads, or waterways; and (4) a favorable competitive position with existing industries. PubliclSemi-Public I' The lands to be utilized for Public/Semi-Public use within the Township are those which are to be utilized for municipal purposes. In Union township this will include the site of the proposed new township building and garage and a new township park and recreation area. Agricultural I The lands to be utilized for Agricultural use throughout the township are primarily those presently utilized for agricultural purposes. No substantial new agricultural areas are being proposed by the plan. However, minor additional small plots upon prime agricultural soils could be developed for truck farm crops. Open Space/Conservation A majority of land placed in this category is usually not economically or physically feasible to develop at the present time. This may be due to a number of factors. Primary among these is that the land possesses a slope of over 24%. A substantial proportion of the land within the Township is included in this slope range. Refer to Slope Map in the Environmental and Physical section for an indication of those areas of steep slope. Environmentally sensitive areas which require special protection such as aquifer recharge areas, wetlands, floodplains, heritage resources, scenic viewsheds, etc., should be placed in this land use category. Other areas included in the open space category may be poorly drained, are in the 100 Year Floodplain, are wetlands, or have weak underlying geologic structure, such as sinkholes. Still other areas are those without accessibility by the existing 73 road network such as those within the western portions and the extreme eastern portions 1 of the Township. Whatever the characteristics of the land placed in this category, any type of development whether residential, commercial or industrial should be discouraged. The question now arises of what is the utility of the land placed in the open- space/conservation category. Contrary to first impressions, this land will perform most important and necessary functions in the future of the Township. Important among these ale: (1) the provision of passive recreation areas for picnicking and hiking; (2)'the preservation of potential watershed areas; (3) provision of light, air, and open space throughout the community; (4) the preservation of any sites of historical interest or significance, (5) the preservation of prime farmland, the preservation of scenic viewsheds and (6) generally making the Township a visually more attractive place in which to live and work. For an indication of the recommended spatial distribution of land use, refer to Map 13, Future Land Use on the following page. ...... 74 1 i j i I i I Future Land Use/Zoning'lnterface The future land use map in any community should establish the foundation for the zoning map. In this case, the proposed Zoning Map on the following page should be generally follow the recommendations of the Future Land use Map on the previous page., and just as critically, the concepts and underpinnings of the goals and objectives of this Plan. The Proposed Zoning Map is premised on the following: , I The anticipation of a moderate level of residential growth, and a smaller level of commercial and industrial development in the coming years; The clustering of all forms of development adjacent to existing developed areas and/or in areas that can be efficiently served by public utilities and service; a The avoidance of linear strip development; and I The retention of agricultural uses and the conservation of undeveloped opens spaces. Land use is only one component of the zoning process. In addition to permitted uses, zoning also deals with intensity of use, dimensional requirements within permitted uses, and certain uses which may require other forms of approval and/or conditions. All of these are further described in the Model Zoning Ordinance. , .,. .. I. I.i .. . ..~ ...... 76 ZONINGMAP LEGEND El- c- I -4NDusmxAL Implementation of the Land Use Plan The Land Use Plan Element is presented as a guide for the future orderly growth and development of the Township. The Plan has no legal enforcement status to ensure its implementation. The wholehearted support of the Plan by both the Township and County Planning Commissions; the Township Board of Supervisors, elected and appointed public officials, citizen organizations, and individual citizens and property owners is, therefore,,most imperative. In addition.to this support, there are a number of other tools which can be used to implement the Plan. These include: .Zoning Ordinance: The Township does not have a Zoning Ordinance, and neither does Centre County. A model Zoning Ordinance has been prepared as part of this planning program. The Township should seriously consider the early adoption of this ordinance. When adopted, this ordinance will accomplish much toward implementation the Land Use Plan Element as well as achieving the Goals and Objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance: A Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance has been drafted by the Centre County Planning Commission and adopted by the Centre County Board of Commissioners. This ordinance requires developers and potential subdividers to adhere to the minimum standards required to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the County and constituent communities. This Ordinance will also act to guide their efforts in relation to the Union Township Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Plan Element. Community Conservation: A community-wide program of conservation and rehabilitation should be undertaken. Under this program, steps should be taken to prevent areas or presently sound structures from falling into blight. These steps include the strict and vigorous enforcement of building, housing, and health quality standards. Capital Improvements Program (CIP): The Capital Improvements Program is a list of municipal projects with their respective priority, cost, and proposed method of financing. The program covers a period of five or six years in the future. Through this program, the recommendations of the Transportation Plan, Community Facilities Plan, Public Utilities Plan, and Housing Plan can be carried out and financed thereby promoting the effectuation of the Proposed Land Use Plan. Through the use of the foregoing, the Land Use Plan can be successfully implemented. 78 ... , - ~ ,--~ . ,. . . - . .._..,.. . . ."./ ..,. - ._ ~- - .--- HOUSING PLAN ELEMENT I As part of the Comprehensive Plan, -a-Housing Plan Element has been formu!ated. Information concerning the housing stock has been obtained from U. S. Census data, and an on ground and windshield survey conducted by personnel from Richard.C. Sutter and Associates, Inc. This Plan Element provides a framework for conservation and rehabilitation of the housing in Union Township, and provides officials with the necessary information to implement a housing rehabilitation program. Through the undertaking of a concerted rehabilitation effort, Union Township will be able to achieve an upgraded housing stock, higher property values, an improved tax base, and elimination of situations which are having a negative impact on the housing market throughout Union Township. Housing Conditions As mentioned above, one of the steps that must be taken to determine the condition of existing housing stock is to conduct a survey which examines and evaluates each house to determine its condition. The survey of the housing condition focused on the he major structural components which are discernible from the exterior. Features such as the condition of the foundation, exterior walls, doors, windows, and roof were rated. Factors such as cracks in the foundation, loose or missing roof coverings, and deteriorated walls contributed points toward an overall deficiency rating. Surveyors were not concerned with cosmetic deficiencies such as faded or peeling paint, but focused on structural deficiencies. After all buildings were examined, the surveys were tabulated and compiled. Structural components were rated on a scale from 0 (no deficiency) to 3 (major deficiency). Each structural component was given a point factor from 5 to 100. The higher the point factor, the more important the component is structurally. For example, if the foundation of a house was rated as having a moderate deficiency which carries a rating factor of 2 and a point factor of 80, then 2 times 80 yields 160 deficiency points. When the evaluation of the structure was complete, the points were added to give a total point value. The focus of the survey was on deficiencies visible from a car on the highway; there are likely to be homes with code violations (if the BOCA Code were applied), internal flaws, and other hidden deficiencies where were not clearly evident to the surveyors from an external point of view. In formulating a housing rehabilitation plan, both internal and external conditions need to be considered. Further, a given dollar amount or ceiling for funding needs to be established on a per-unit basis. Because the homes found to have deficiencies have major structural deficiencies which will be expensive to repair, the maximum dollar amount will have to be set fairly high. Funding Housing rehabilitation can be funded by using a variety of federal and state grants. The two most widely used are the Pennsylvania Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the Pennsylvania HOME Grant Program (now the Communities of Opportunities Program). 79 The PA CDBG program provides funds to address community needs such as street improvements, water and sewer improvements, housing rehabilitation, as well as many other community related activities. The PA HOME program targets its 'money to Housing Assistance, Community Development, Downtown Pennsylvania, and Economic Development. There are three (3) ways to obtain funding: I: Union Township is not an "entitlement" community under the CDBG Program. Centre County is an "Entitlement" recipient. Union Township may apply to Centre 'County for a portion of its annual entitlement. 2. Union Township may apply directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for "competitive" CDBG funds. These funds are set aside for communities which are both "entitlement" and "nonentitlement communities." There is a high degree of competition for these funds and the amount of money is limited to approximately $5 million statewide. 3. The Pennsylvania HOME Program is a competitive program which provides funds to' communities for housing assistance. An owner occupied housing rehabilitation program would fall under the category of housing assistance. Union Township can apply for up to $500,000 for any given year. Application must be made to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). It is recommended that Union Township apply for both PA HOME funds to initiate the housing rehabilitation program. This program has been recently refined into the Communities of Opportunities Program. Program Guidelines To be eligible for the funding, the Housing Rehabilitation Program must be concentrated upon low/moderate income families according to State and Federal guidelines. Grants should be made available to low/moderate income households to rehabilitate their housing units, and should be limited to owner-occupied housing. Conditions for participation in the program should include: Homeowners must have resided in their homes for at least one (1) year prior to making application for rehabilitation assistance. The owner must continue to live in the property and maintain it in accordance with Section 8 Housing Quality Standards of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for five (5) years to receive the full benefit of the forgiveness loan. Eligibility for the loans is based on the eligibility income range of the HUD Section 8 Income Levels for Centre County. These are available through the Centre County Planning Commission and are updated periodically. 80 If the owner of a dwelling is eligible for a forgiveness loan, he must "borrow" the full amount of the loan. As long as the owner remains in and maintains the property as determined by an annual inspection by the Housing Rehabilitation administrating agency, one-fifth of the amount of the loan will be forgiven annually for five (5) years. I >: If the owner sells or transfers his property in less than five (5) years, the outstanding amount of the loan will be paid from the proceeds of the sale. The funds which are recovered are then available to fund additional rehabilitation activities. Loans should only be given to rectify deficiencies and to weatherize the property. Critical deficiencies must be addressed first. Loans are to be made up to $15,000. If a balance of the $15,000 maximum remains after eligible repairs are made, then those funds can be spent for other code deficiencies and weatherization improvements. It is important to note that when a unit is eligible for rehabilitation assistance, the unit must be brought up to the HUD Section 8 Quality Standards. If the maximum amount of the loan is not sufficient to cover these expenses, the owner of the home must come up with the additional amount needed to bring the unit into compliance. Ilousing Rehabilitation Needs Housing units showing moderate and slight deterioration would be the more likely candidates for the rehabilitation program. A cost estimate for a program to rehabilitate those units is as follows: Project Cost Estimate Housing Rehabilitation Program: First (1st) Year Rehabilitation of thirty (30) housing units @$15,000 per unit $450 ,000.00 Administration @$800 per housing unit including work write-ups, awarding contracts,' construction observation, and reporting 24,000.00 General Administration 26.000.00 Total $500,000.00 Considering that approximately 30 housing units were determined to be deteriorated, it could be expected that more than thirty (30) households will apply for the housing rehabilitation program. Each house will have to be examined before it is to be included in the program. The owner's income needs to be verified and qualified. Work write-ups and cost estimates need to be prepared for those units which are to receive funds. Work Write-ups and Administration Technical assistance for the work write-ups and follow-through on administrative details will be provided by the Redevelopment and Housing Authority. .I .. . . , -...... , 1. 81 I4 1 Advisory Committee A committee of the Redevelopment and Housing Authority serves as a housing advisory committee. The Committee includes persons knowledgeable about the many different aspects of housing. Ideally the committee should consist of individuals with the following kinds of experience: .. rn Familiarity with the private housing market rn Experienced with the public housing market m. Familiarity with real estate practices Experienced with federal or state grant programs Knowledgeable about housing rehabilitation or construction Exposure to municipal government procedures By maintaining a committee that has experience in the many aspects of the housing field, Centre Countywill be able to develop and implement a viable housing rehabilitation program that will meet the needs of her citizens. The Committee Functions A key factor in the success of the Committee is.a commitment to serve, agreement with the program and willingness to be available for Committee meetings. At the first meeting, a calendar covering the first several months of the Committee's activities needs to be prepared. The first meeting should be devoted to each member learning his role and the function of the Committee. The housing rehabilitation plan should be reviewed. Committee members should be responsible for specific activities of the committee. rn Funding Minutes of meetings rn Progress reports Public information/media contacts Other activities will become obvious as time goes on. The Committee needs to be flexible to meet changing needs. The first step in implementing any housing rehabilitation program is to secure the needed funds. The applications, PACDBG and PA COP, which must be prepared are rather lengthy and involved. It is recommended that someone who is experienced with the application preparation procedure be retained to prepare the applications. The Housing Committee will need to take the initiative to provide the public with information ' they need to participate in the program. Then the Committee, and staff will be responsible . for reviewing the qualifications of applicants for the program, reviewing work write-ups, securing bids from contractors, and then monitoring and inspecting the housing units when the work is completed. The committee may receive more applications that there are funds for and applications will have to be made in subsequent years for additional funds. 82 Following this plan will certainly improve the quality of life in Centre County. Affordable Housing There is a belief at every level of government that every family should have a choice of affordable housing available to them. The housing goal outlined in the Goals and Objectives section of this Plan reflects this belief as well. Affordable housing law Several laws at all levels of government were created to deal with the provision of affordable housing. The Federal Fair Housing Act was enacted to ensure that persons would have available to them a decent home in a suitable environment. New Jersey has been the home to several important cases involving affordable housing at the federal level. The rulings ONT.. these cases, Mount Laurel I and II, basically state that communities must provide their share of a region’s affordable housing stock and that regulations do not relieve the municipality of this obligation. Affordable housing programs Several strategies are available to promote affordable housing. As previously outlined in this section of the plan, rehabilitation of existing homes can be used to provide sound affordable housing. Weatherization is a form of housing rehabilitation that involves reducing the energy costs of a low income household. Both owner-occupied and rental dwellings are eligible for weatherization service. The weatherization program is funded through the federal Department of Energy and has received a portion of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds provided by the Department of Health and Human Services. The Bureau of Human Resources should be contacted for more information. New Housing The Centers or Village Concept of Land Use Development as presented in the Land Use Element of this Comprehensive Plan should be followed closely in all new housing development. If priced within an appropriate range, such a development can serve as affordable housing for senior citizens. With expected growth and redistribution in population, existing housing and rehabilitation measures will not be enough to meet future demand. New housing should be built within or adjacent to existing development concentrations where water and sewer and other infrastructure are already in place and where accessibility for emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks) is not a problem. There is some vacant land for hew housing. Slope does present a challenge. Land suitable for new housing development exists on the valley floor as well as within the several water gaps that go over up the Allegheny Front as well as areas along the western boundary of the Township. A majority of the Township is classified in the two (2) steepest slope categories. An examination of the Existing Land Use Map reveals that there are scattered ’ vacant parcels within the County to develop new housing units as infill development. 83 ,I __ .. . . - . Other Housing Legislation Housing in Centre County ranges from sound to deteriorating. The two (2) challenges which -. 1 should be addressed are a lack of affordable multi-family housing and the renovation or, I rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes which show some deterioration. . Affordable Housing and the Law The Federal Fair Housing Act (as amended 1990) was . ~ created to ensure that every family would have a decent home in a suitable environment available to them. There is a growing body of both statutory and case law which pertains to affordable housing: Federal Case Law As mentioned earlier, Mount Laurel I and II: New Jersey has become home to landmark cases involving affordable housing. In the Mount Laurel I Decision, the Supreme Court ruled that communities in growth areas must take their fair share of the region's affordable housing stock. In Mount Laurel II, the New Jersey and United States Supreme Courts ruled regulations do not relieve a municipality of their obligation to account for their fair share of affordable housing in a region. And, affirmative measures such as builders' remedies, mandatory set asides, subsidies, and mobile home zoning may be used to ensure that the fair share goal is achieved. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Laws Regarding Affordable Housing The pennsyhmnta Municipalities Planning Code Section 301 (2.1) states that each municipal zoning ordinance is designed to provide for the use of land within the municipality for residential housing of various dwelling types encompassing all basic forms of housing. These forms include single family and two family dwellings, a reasonable range of multi-family dwelling units in various arrangement, mobile homes, and mobile home parks. However, no zoning ordinance will be deemed invalid for the failure to provide for any specific dwelling type. Basically this provision discourages exclusionary zoning and promotes affordable housing. Surric v. Zoning Hearing Board of Upper Providence County: This was the 1977 test case that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court established provisions for affordable housing. In particular, it, like the Mount Laurel case, requires communities in growth regions to provide their share of affordable housing. Funding Sources for Affordable Housing U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD is the base funding source of many Housing Programs. Their funds are used for developing affordable housing and purchasing mortgages (Fannie MAE, Freddie MAC, and Ginny MAE) and for rehabilitation and weatherization. The primary source of direct funding for housing is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. . Pennsylvania D epartment o f C ommunity and E conomic D evelopment (DCED): T he Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development offers several programs that utilize CDBG monies as a funding source. They are: Entitlement CDBG funds, Competitive CDBG, Housing and Community Development Funds, now the Communities of Opportunities Program, and the HOME Program. 84 : I; Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) The largest funding source for housing is the CDBG program. Both entitlement and .competitivefunds are eligible for this activity. The CDBG Competitive grants are usuallydue in Harrisburg in late March. The current maximum grant amount for housing rehabilitation is $350,000/Applications for funding should be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of -Community and Economic Development. It is quite possible to reapply for additional funding to continue the housing program after the first grant funds are expended. Other State and Federal Affordable housing Programs Most federal and state programs for housing are targeted to low and moderate income families or individuals. To address the needs of affordable housing, rehabilitation of existing housing and future housing needs, it recommended that the following programs be examined and possibly implemented. Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly (HUD): The large number of senior citizens in Centre County creates substantial demand for elderly housing. This program provides capital advance grants for construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of housing for very low income elderly. Funding is available to CBO's and other developers. Contact HUD Regional Office. Section 81 7 Supportive Housing for the Disabled (HUD): This program, like Section 202, provides capital advance grants for construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of supportive housing. Contact HUD regional Office. HOME - Home Investment Partnership Program (HUD, DCED): This program offers funding and general guidelines to municipal governments, while allowing the local government the freedom to tailor implementation strategies for providing affordable housing to their own communities. This program contains the following Goals: 1. Provide affordable housing to low to very low income Pennsylvanians (80 percent of median income) 2. Assist local governments in achieving adequate supplies of affordable housing. 3. To foster and strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors which will increase the production and management of affordable housing. Low Income Rental Housing Tax Credits (Federal): The tax credit program is intended to assist in the creation and preservation of affordable multi-family housing for families with low incomes, senior citizens, handicapped individuals, and homeless persons. This program makes available a dollar-fordollar federal income tax credit up to 70 percent of the project's cost. Contact Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). Home ownership Program (PHFA): Provides for low interest loans made through local * banks to purchasers who have not owned a home in the last three years. Requires a low . down payment and subsidizes interest rate. Available for individuals and families only, but a useful way for banks to meet their CRA commitment. 85 PennHOMES (PHFA, DCED): A combined resource program to create multi-family rental housing by reducing financing costs. Both for profits and non-profits are eligible. Contact local bank or DCED. Housing and Community Development Grants (DCED): This is the Commonwealth's largest pool of state monies for housing and community revitalization. It is a competitive ptogram with the following eligible housing activities: owner-occupied rehabilitation, rehabilitation of investor owned properties up to four units, new construction, and site improvements. Contact DCED for further details. This program is now known as the Communities of Opportunities Program. Act 137 Housing Fund: County Commissioners have increased fees for deeds and mortgages to provide a match for other affordable housing programs Fannie Mae, Ginny Mae, and Freddie MAC (HUD): In these three (3) programs, Federal funds are used to help low to moderate income and first time home buyers. When implemented, these programs help keep younger families in the local area, aid in slowing down housing turn over and the housing cycle and stimulate a sense of community. Local Real Estate Brokers, and financial institutions should be contact for more information and the Regional HUD Office. Community Service Block Grant Program and Employment and Community Conservation Program: These programs are administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development, Bureau of Human Resources. These programs are targeted toward wider scale (community and neighborhood) type activities. In addition, this Bureau funds the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) which has the following components: 0 Housing Initiative 0 Weatherization 0 Local Initiative 0 Progressive Readiness Employment Program (PREP and 0 Enterprise Zone Extension Credit Program Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (IRS): Tax credits may be taken on improvements made to income producing properties in the Historic District if work meets certain standards set by the Secretary of the Interior. Locally Based Programs The County could take several steps related in preserving and promoting its housing stock. These projects could be administered by the County in conjunction with the Redevelopment and Housing Authority, civic groups, local financial institutions, and the County Planning Office: The following are suggested projects that the County could undertake: Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) With Local Banks: Under the guidelines of the Community ReinvestmentAct, a Federal Law, local financial institutions must provide funds ' for community, economic and affordable housing development in the municipalities in which they conduct business. This vehicle could be used for mortgage programs under the PHFA 86 ... Home Ownership Program to stimulate home ownership in areas where it is now low, providing low interest loans for housing rehabilitation projects, and developing Senior Housing Units. ' id'. Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance: Administration of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance should promote affordable housing, encourage new housing structures, preservation of existing sound housing and the demolition of blighted structures. The ordinance writing process would take several years to complete and require substantial public input. Recommendations In the interest of providing affordable housing for segments of the community and thereby making progress toward the housing goals of the County, the construction of multi-family housing units would be desirable. However, the County has relatively little vacant land available; it may be necessary for the County to work with private developers since most available vacant land is privately held. Ideally, at least 12 units of garden apartment style multi-family housing for families and 20 to 40 units of rent-assisted senior citizen housing should be made available. The County should actively support the planned Housing Rehabilitation Program to be offered to residents through the County Redevelopment and Housing Authority. This program could make upwards of $350,000 in state funds available for house rehabilitation of owner-occupied housing units. More funds could be sought from both HUD and DCED with the eventual goal of providing additional funds from the PA CDBG program. Additionally, the County should actively support historic preservation efforts throughout the county with the eventual goal of establishing an historic district. In addition to providing tax credits for restoration of income producing property, the national historic district designation could help to promote local pride, conserve the building stock, encourage new residents to locate in the County, and act as the basis for an expanding tourism industry, The County should consider drafting and adopting a zoning ordinance which will help to reduce land use conflicts, provide for the appropriate use of available vacant land, encourage infill development and assure that new development is compatible with the development goals and objectives of the community. 87 ~~ ~ -. . . . -...... - . .. TRANSPORTATION PLAN ELEMENT The efficient movement of goods and people is the objective of the Transportation Plan. Pedestrian circulation and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act are other objectives of the Transportation Plan. One of the major goals of this Planning Program is the provision of a plan for the expeditious and safe movement of traffic within and through Un'ion Township. Having examined the existing roads and traffic, it is now possible to formulate a plan for the future traffic. The existing road system and proposed future improvements satisfy the following general desires: rn To assure that a safe and efficient transportation network is maintained throughout the Township. Objectives: rn To work to improve and maintain at acceptable standards State highways over their entire length in the Township. To work to assure that other State roads and Township roads are maintained at an acceptable level throughout the Township. To assure that adequate signage and signalization is provided for all highways, roads, and intersections throughout the Township. To prepare candidate projects for submission to the Centre County Planning Commission and PennDOT for needed transportation improvements for inclusion in the 12 year program on a bi-annual basis. To assure that a safe and efficient transportation network is maintained throughout the Township. rn To ensure the efficient and safe movement of traffic between the commercial, residential, and industrial areas of the Township. rn To minimize the detrimental effects of large volumes of traffic upon the residential areas of the Township. To prevent large volumes of traffic from passing through the residential areas. rn To provide for expected traffic increases in the future. To serve areas of proposed future development. m To provide a series of highway and road improvements which will implement the expected traffic increases. Improved channelization and site distances of U.S. Route 220 with Jacobs Road, Rattlesnake Road, and Bush Hollow Road within the Township. 88 , I "I "' m Replace the bridge located at SR 504 and Township Road 398 with a more modern structure. For an indiction of the location of the foregoing recommended transportation improvements, ' refer to the Future Transportation Map o the following page. ln summary, by far the most critical transportation problem within Union Township is the 'design and condition of U. S. Route 220 through the entire length of the Township. In the years of 1994- 1998, there were 75 accidents, 35 with injuries and one (1) death along this dangerous highway. The complete reconstruction of this highway with the improvements to the three (3) intersections recommended for improvement above, should do much toward solving the transportation problem and meeting the transportation needs of the township well into the 21" Century. Rail (SEDA COG Railroad) Addition of a spur line at the time commercial or industrial activity would require direct rail service. Air (Centre County Airport Current level of service is adequate. and Keystone Gliderport) Mass Transit Establish a .Park and Ride program with the identification of a park and ride lot within the Township. Bike Ways and Trails Berm improvements on U.S. 220 and SR 504 to provide adequate right-of-way for bicycles. .... 89 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES cs1- d Having examined in the Community Facilities Study section of this Plan, the basic sekices fl!I' . that are presently provided to the residents of Union Township, we are now, in the position I to make the recommendations necessary to improve the availability, quality, and adequacy .6f these services. Some of the recommendations are rather obvious while others are more obscure. In some cases, a comparison with nationally accepted standards will determine where deficiencies exist. In other cases, recommendations will be closely related to the implementation of the proposals presented in the other elements of this Plan. In making these recommendations for the community facilities of Union Township, the facilities will appear in the same sequence as they did in the Community Facilities section of the Background Studies of this Plan. I I The Goals and Objectives for the Future Community Facilities and Public Utilities Plan include: GOAL: To provide an adequate level of community facilities which are easily accessible to the residents of the Township. Objectives: To provide adequate maintenance for existing community facilities to insure an acceptable level of service and their longevity. To consider the development of Township park land for both active and passive recreation activities. I To update the Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan recommendations every five (5) years. To guide future provision of community facilities and public utilities in an orderly manner consistent and compatible with existing and future development. To identify and solve existing water and sewer problems throughout the Township. To work with adjacent municipalities in the future provision of community facilities and water and sewer service upon a regional basis. Public Utilities A viable and growing population requires certain basic services and facilities. This and an array of environmental considerations warrant the provision and improvement of a utility infrastructure. Anticipating future utility needs is a complex matter that takes many variables . into account -- such as development patterns and densities, population changes, and economic changes. This plan element will provide recommendations to Union Township concerning how it can maximize the effectiveness of its public utility resources both today and tomorrow. Note that primarily those facilities which have present or potential 91 inadequacies that were discovered in the public utilities study will be mentioned here. (1) Sanitary Sewers .I .I The safe, sanitary collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage is a primary concern to every community in Pennsylvania -- but especially to those experiencing growth. .Communities who have had their well water contaminated by sewage and have had to pay for expensive cleanups are all too common throughout Pennsylvania. To minimize its chances of facing such a crisis, this plan recommends that Union Township and its Municipal Authority make the following improvements: rn Act 537 Sewage Facility Plan Update: It is recommended that Union Township and its Municipal Authority follow the recommendations of the adopted Act 537 Sewage Facility Plan. This will assist the Township in facing interwoven environmental, growth management, and housing issues. It identifies the best management policies for local sewer problems. These policies will include community treatment in the denser villages and perhaps in areas identified as wellhead protection zones. They will likely include enhanced management and enforcement of on-lot septic systems in the more sparsely settled areas. They may require amending of the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. It should be noted that many of the physiographic and other maps completed during this planning effort; and included in this document, are useful in the Act 537 Plan administration as well. rn Extending Community Sewer Service: Presently, sanitary sewer service is limited to a few areas within Union Township. It is recommended that the Township consider expanding this service to those areas that have been identified as dense residential, commercial, or industrial in the land-use section of this plan. Requiring hookups in these areas should be considered as well. However, these. hookups should be provided so that “leapfrog development” and inefficient land use is avoided. Expanding sewer service will prevent expensive and dangerous environmental problems caused by an unchecked proliferation of on-lot septic systems. Such expansions should be planned and constructed as soon as the need arises. (2) Water The provision of an adequate supply of water for major land uses is another critical community issue facing Union Township. Although the present on-lot systems appear to be supplying an adequate amount and quality for the population, potential problems still need to be addressed in the future. Thus, the following recommendations are made: .-a Extending Community Water Service: It is highly recommended that the Township consider expanding water service to those areas that have been identified as dense residential, commercial, or industrial in the land-use section of this plan. However, these hookups should be provided so that “leapfrog development” and inefficient contaminations, provide an extra control over development, improve water quality in some areas, and reduce the costs of building a home. Such expansion should be planned and constructed as sqon as the need arises. ~ -.~- - 92 WATER-SERVICE ...... ... .. .~ ...... -. .. .. Protecting Public Water Sources: It is recommended that Union Township enact a water source protection ordinance for the areas surrounding the Union Township WaterAuthority’s water sources in Union Township. If such an ordinance will regulate or prohibit land uses (through either zoning or subdivision controls), Pennsylvania law requires that it use a hydrogeologic study to determine the extent of the lands that (1) contribute water to the involved water source, and that (2) thus can be legally regulated. However, such an ordinance would greatly reduce the risk of the area’s citizens having to pay for either 9 new source or expensive cleanups. Within the regulated areas, zoning overlays could be used to prohibit threatening uses (e.g., junkyards, gas stations), regulate threatening uses, and/or require large-lot zoning for residences that intend to use on-lot septic systems. The Township’s Subdivision Ordinance could be amended to require that new developments not draw down groundwater levels, that new developments no overburden the’Union Township Municipal Authority’s aquifers, and that new developments either provide for an adequate water supply or show that systems are in place which will adequately serve the development’s needs. The Township should investigate the costs and benefits of such an ordinance within the next two years. lmproving Stormwater Drainage: In the face of some flooding problems throughout, it is recommended that the Township utilize its engineer either to design improvements to the current stormwater drainage patterns or to aid the Township in enacting an effective stormwater management ordinance. Such an ordinance may require amendments to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances of the Township. This is a critical public utility recommendation and should be carried out within the next two years to prevent losses of property or life. Note that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Land and Water Conservation, may provide either a large portion of the necessary funding or low- interest loans (through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority or PENNVEST) for efforts that meet the standards of the Pennsylvania Storm Water Management Program. (3) Parks and Recreation The responsibility for providing recreation areas and associated facilities to the residents of Union Township rests with the Township and the public school system. By referring to Map 9, Existing Land Use, Page 24, the recreational areas that each of these bodies govern are apparent. The location, size, and existing facilities are also presented. For the purpose of classifying the recreation areas of the Township according to their type of use, the following three (3) categories, as identified by the National Recreation Association will be used: (a) Parks; (b) Playgrounds; and (c) Playfields. ‘ The facilities commonly provided by each of these categories are presented in the following table. 94 TABLE 22 ~- COMMONLY PROVIDED RECREATION FACILITIES ~ -1 TYPE OF AGE AREA GROUPS FACILITIES PROVIDED IDEAL SIZE .- SERVED PARK ALL AGE Areas for picnics, hiking, fishing, 40-1 00 Acres GROUPS ice skating, and swimming; cook stoves, shelters; toilets; playgrounds and playfields PLAYGROUND PRE- (1) Swings, slides, sandboxes, 24Acres (including a SCHOOL & 6- jungle gyms, space for running, Playlot) 14 Years and a paved section. (2) Courts for softball, tennis, handball, and volleyball. (3) Areas for crafts, dramatic and storytelling. ~ __- PLAYFIELDS YOUNG Areas for football, baseball, 10-15 Acres PEOPLE AND archery, and a recreation building. ADULTS I By classifying the existing recreation areas of the Township into the categories of the preceding table and then grouping these areas by proposed neighborhoods as delineated in the Housing Plan of this Comprehensive Plan, a comparison between existing facilities and required facilities for each neighborhood can then be made. The following table presents this comparison of the total existing acreage of each type of recreation area present in each proposed neighborhood as compared with nationally accepted standards. The fact is evident from the above table that all neighborhoods are deficient in recreation area. A total of two acres for a playground and up to ten (IO) acres for playfields are needed throughout the Borough. Most of this area needed for playgrounds and playfields can be obtained from the large areas of open space proposed throughout the Borough by the Land Use Plan of the this Comprehensive Plan. These open space areas are not economically or physically feasible to develop for any other purpose except recreational development. Municipal Building The administration and management of Union Township is currently accomendated within the basement of the home of the Township Secretary located on U.S. 220 just south of the State Route 4004. Meetings of the Township Board of Supervisors as well as the Township ' Planning Commission are held here as well as the storage of the files of the Township. The situation is not entirely adequate. The construction of a municipal building has been discussed in recent years at the site of the Township Maintenance facility. It is the recommendation of this Comprehensive Plan for this building to be constructed within the 95 next five (5) years. As new development continues to occur throughout the Township, the need for a municipal building will become more pressing.. Police Protection: The existing police protection of the Township is provided by the Pennsylvania State Police and appears to be generally adequate at the present time. Probably one of the greatest concerns of police protection at the present time is the control of the large volumes of traffic carried through the area by U. S. Route 220. The enforcement of the speed limit is of major concern,. particularly on several sections of U. S. 220. As the Township grows, the aerial extent of its development will increase along with its population. This will necessitate the possible expansion of the present police protection facilities. A systematic reappraisal of the situation from year to year should be made. This will show the time and extent of the needed expansions. The recommendations to effectuate this reappraisal are: 1. The Township should keep a record of pertinent data in map form for each year. This information should include: location of traffic accidents and fatalities; location of robberies, burglaries, and other types of crime; place of residence of persons arrested. . 2 An evaluation of the effectiveness of the operation of the police coverage should be made at the end of each year as,to the quality and coverage of protection provided. 3. Steps should be taken to correct any identified deficiencies. 4. The Township should consider joining a regional police agency potentially centered in the Milesburg area. Fire Protection The most widely accepted standards for evaluating the effectiveness of the fire protection facilities of a community are those set forth by the National Board of Fire Underwriters. This organization has assigned an acceptable grading on the N.B.F.U. Scale to the Township's system. This is considered to be better than average under a volunteer fire department. Their only recommendations for improving the present system are: 1. Fire companies face replacement of apparatus on a 20 year life expectancy basis. 2. Fire companies improve departmental organization, drills, and training. In view of future development, the areas proposed for residential, commercial, and industrial ' ' - -development by the Future Land Use Plan must be provided with adequate fire protection facilities. 96 In addition to the preceding presented recommendations, an aid to future planning efforts could be provided by the Township’s Fire Department keeping a record of the location and type of fires occurrin$ each year. This could best be done by using a color-coded system of map tacks locating each fire on a Township base map. This map would be photographed in color and the print kept as a permanent record for each year. These maps provide information valuable to future fire protection facility planning. Libraries The Bookmobile serving the Township library needs is within the Bald Eagle Area Junior/Senior High School. Additionally, the Township residents are served by the library in Bellefonte. This arrangement is generally adequate to serve the existing library needs of Township residents. Schools The overall situation of the school facilities serving the Township appears quite satisfactory at the present time. The Bald Eagle JuniorEenior High School was constructed only several years ago and contains all the facilities of a modern school plant. The elementary school is also of modern construction. However, these two schools are being used to near design capacity. If the Township as well as adjacent municipalities grow as they are expected to in future years, expansion of the school facilities will be needed. 97 PLAN COMPONENT INTERRELATIONSHIP STATEMENT The synthesis of interrelated a ctivities to resolve issues and problems is a major thrust of Comprehensive Community Planning. In this regard, there are linkages among the elements of the Goals and Objectives and recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. All are interrelated and should further the overall goal which is to maintain a small town atmosphere while experiencing and accommodating planned orderly growth and development. This clearly underlies all future land use recommendationswhich attempt to protect environmental features, preserve existing sound housing, promote rehabilitation where needed, encourage economic development, and discourage sprawl development. The Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance places the land use, division of property, and land development recommendations in a regulatory framework. Housing recommendations not only come to terms with demographic trends, rehabilitation needs, and existing housing conditions, but also further the goals of low-intensity and complementary residential development and the conservation of the existing way of life in the Township. Transportation recommendations not only address safety issues and strengthen and improve the existing transportation system, but seek to enhance future land use recommendations and economic development potential as well. The community facility and services reflect the land use recommendationsrelated to the enhanced village center concept, the avoidance of sprawl, and the establishment of an historic district. The community facilities and service recommendations reflect the land use recommendations related to the infill development concept, the centers concept of Land Use Development and the preservation of open space. Finally, water and sewer recommendations are reflective of potential growth and adequate supply for residential, public, commercial, and industrial usage. Plan implementation and coordination coupled with the possible Township involvement with the review of subdivisions and land developments suggests the need for an active ongoing planning commission in Union Township. The following list demonstrates how major recommendations of this plan relates to the other plan components. RECOMMENDATIONS AFFECTED PLAN ELEMENTS Sewer and waterline replacement/extension Public Utilities and Transportation projects need to precede street paving projects. Assure sites proposed for commercial and Land Use and Transportation industrial development have direct access to arterial streets. Attempt to integrate individual parks, libraries, Land Use and Community Facilities museums, and recreational opportunities, and use land unsuitable for more intensive development. 98 Encourage a coordinated approach between Economic Development the economic development programs of Centre County Industrial Development Association, the Centre County Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln Highway Heritage Chamber, the tourist promotion effort of the Centre County Convention & Visitors Bureau, arSd the community and downtown revitalization efforts of the Township. I Continue. to work with the SECA COG Transportation Planning and Development Commission, ' Centre County Planning Commission, and PennDOT to obtain needed highway improvements that will improve the quality of life and economic development opportunities in the Township and surrounding region. Need to work with Centre County CART and Transportation Centre County to develop park and ride facilities and enhance public transit service to improve quality of life. Continue to work with adjoining municipalities Economic Development and Transportation to improve economic development opportunities and enhance the transportation system. Appoint a representative and alternate to Economic Development and Transportation coordinate highways, regional rails to trails, and other transportation related projects. Continue to work on shifting traffic including Transportation truck traffic to appropriate routes to enhance the quality of life, .housing values, attractiveness of commercial district, residential neighborhoods, attractiveness of historic district, and to protect public health. Upgrade the condition and appearance of the Historic Preservation, Housing, and Land Use structures throughout the Township particularly through the use of Design Guidelines and structural rehabilitation programs. ...... - ...... 99 CONTIGUOUS MUNICIPALITIES STATEMENT Regional planning provides the luxury of facilitating the coordination of land use, transportation, housing, community facilities, public utilities and other planning components in Union Township. .. It is believed that the goals, objectives, and recommendations of this plan are consistent with those of the neighboring municipalities located in this section of Central Pennsylvania. The contiguous municipalities to the Union Township are Snowshoe, Boggs, Spring, Benner, Patton, Huston, and Rush Townships. Prior to adoption of the Comprehensive Plan for Union Township, a copy of the Comprehensive Plan was sent to the contiguous municipalities. Boggs, Spring, Benner, and Patton Townships have Comprehensive Plans, which were prepared in the 1990s. Boggs Township is the most recent and was adopted in the year 2000. The Comprehensive Plan for Union Township is generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plans with the Comprehensive Plans of those Townships which currently have a Comprehensive Plan. In particular, no major conflicts are "I presented by incompatible land uses being proposed where the Townships abut Union Township. The map below illustrates the geographic relationships of Snowshoe, Boggs, Spring, Benner, Patton, Huston, and Rush Townships and Union Township. . Of special interest, the land use recommendations in this plan are based on the concept of infill development and the centers or village concept of land use development. 100 It' IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS AND STRATEGIES I The success of the Comprehensive Plan for Union Township will be dependent to a large measure upon the effective implementation of the proposals and recommendations presented within the Comprehensive Plan. The process of implementation is to translate "plans" into "action." The Township Planning Commission is not constituted with the authority or the responsibility to directly implement these proposals and recommendations. The capability rests with the unit of local government, The Union Township Council. Paramount in the implementation process is the reflection of the needs and desires of the general citizenry in the everyday planning and development decisions at both the County and local level. The confidence that the local elected public officials and citizenry have in the Comprehensive Planning Process will do much to lay the groundwork for the implementation of the recommendations and proposals of the Comprehensive Plan. There are a number of tools or strategies available to those charged with the responsibility of implementing the recommendations and proposals of the Comprehensive Plan. These include: (I)Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance; (2) Zoning Ordinance; (3) Capital Improvements Program; (4) Comprehensive Plan Implementation Schedule; (5) Review Process, and (6) Miscellaneous Implementation Strategies such as: The following is a presentation and discussion of six (6) of the major strategies which the Union Township Planning Commission expects to employ in assisting local elected public officials in their effectuation of the recommendations and proposals of the Comprehensive Plan. Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance A Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance affords a means for the local guidance of the manner by which lands and open acreage are transformed into urban development for residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial purposes. This ordinance includes design standards and procedures to guide the transformation of lands and acreage uses in a logical and orderly manner which is in the best interest of the Township. The primary purposes of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance are to: (I)provide for the orderly transformation of open lands and acreage into urban development; (2) establish design standards and procedures for the subdivision and development of land; (3) insure the provision of basic community services of water, sewer, solid waste disposal, streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and park, recreation, and open space areas to the inhabitants of all new developments; (4) assure that the purchaser of a lot in a new development is buying a commodity that is suitable for its intended use; (5) insure that all future development is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan for Union Township as well as with those plans prepared at the county level; (6) promote the public ' health, safety, convenience, comfort, prosperity, and general welfare of the community in . which the development takes place; and (7) generally insure the future orderly growth and . development of Union Township. 101 Zoning Ordinance I A zoning ordinance is a device for the legal regulation of the use of land. The intentions of such an ordinance are to: (1) designate the use of each parcel of land within the community in such a manner as to insure its best possible utilization; (2) prevent the mixing of incompatible land uses and undesirable land use relationships; (3) act as a tool for the effectuation of the Land Use Plan Element of the Comprehensive Plan; and (4) generally, promote the health, safety, morals, convenience, and general welfare of the community. To accomplish these intentions, the ordinance establishes the boundaries or districts for residential, commercial, industrial, open space and conservation, and other uses within the community. Included for each of the.se districts are restrictions upon building height and bulk, and other building characteristics as found appropriate. A zoning ordinance includes two (2) major parts: the zoning text of the ordinance which presents the districts with accompanying standards and restrictions; and the zoning map which delineates the districts to which the regulations apply. Ideally, the boundaries of the zoning districts should be closely related to the proposed Land Use Plan Element of the Comprehensive Plan. In this manner, the zoning ordinance has a sound basis in Comprehensive Planning since the proposed Land Use Plan has been created from a careful study of past, present, and forecasted community features, conditions, and activity areas. Additionally, the Zoning Ordinance incorporates the community development Goals and Objectives Statement from the Comprehensive Plan as the basis for zoning. Capital Improvements Program The Capital Improvements Program will be a listing of allTproposed and recommended improvements that are presented in the Comprehensive Plan for Union Township. These projects are listed by type of project according to a system of priorities. The agency responsible for implementing the project and the method by which the project can be financed will both be presented. The intent of the Capital Improvements Program is to provide a logical and orderly sequence for undertaking the recommendations of the Plan. Consideration has been given to the scheduling of projects in such a manner as to distribute their costs realistically over a number of years. Within the framework of the Capital Improvements Programs for Union Township (long- range) a five-year Capital Budget will be developed. The Capital Budget contains those projects which are recommended for accomplishment in the next five (5) years. Recognizing the scarcity of the local financial resources, and recognizing the increased competition for the tax dollar, the Capital Improvements Program for Union Township will make every attempt to maximize the various financial resources available to the individual municipalities. These resources include not only tax sources at the local level but the many State and I Federal aid programs now being brought to bear upon the problems of communities . throughout the Commonwealth and Nation. _-_- -_ ___ - 102 The Capital Improvement Program for Union Township will be divided into five (5) major classifications: (1) Housing Improvements (2) Transportation Improvements (3) Public Utility Improvements (4) Community Facility Improvements I (5) Economic Development Projects Comprehensive Plan Implementation Schedule f! It) '1, The implementation Schedule for the Comprehensive Plan arranges recommended projects and programs by the functional classifications of the following plan elements: Planning and Programming, Land Use, Housing, Transportation, Community Facilities, Public Utilities, Economic Development, Physical Environment, and Historic Preservation. The recommended projects and programs are arranged by priority groupings of: Immediate 12 to 24 months, short-term 24 to 48 months, and Ongoing. This Implementation Schedule accompanied by an Annual Measure of Attainment can act as a most effective tool in implementing the proposals and recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. I f,. Review Process I 1, ii' /' The Union Township Planning Commission has been active as the review agency for Union I 4 Township for the past few years. Over past years, the Union Township Planning Commission has reviewed and commented upon proposed projects and most recently Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. In the future these reviews can include applications for Federal and State loans or grants to assist in carrying out such activities as: the planning and construction of libraries, water supply and distribution facilities, sewerage systems and waste treatment facilities, highways, other transportation facilities, and water development and other related public projects throughout the Township. In making these reviews, the Union Township Planning Commission, as the review agency, provides comments and recommendations concerning the extent to which the project under review is consistent with Comprehensive Planning being advanced for Union Township, and the extent to which the project under review contributes to the fulfillment of such planning. It is the belief of the Union Township Planning Commission that as the review agency, it can aid substantially in the interrelation and coordination of federal and State programs to Union Township and will, in turn, contribute measurably to guiding the orderly growth and . development of the Township. It is for this reason that the Union Township Planning . Committee feels that the review process is a most important tool in implementing the recommendations and intent of the Comprehensive Plan for Union Township 103 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY Implementation of the Land Use Plan The Land Use Plan Element in conjunction with the other plan elements is presented as a guide for the future orderly growth and development of the Township. The Plan has no legal enforcement status to ensure it implementation. The wholehearted support of the Plan by both the Township and County Planning Commissions, elected and appointed public officials, citizen organizations, and individual citizens and property owners is, therefore, most imperative. .. In addition to this support, there are a number of other tools which can be used to effectuate 1 I' the Plan. These include: ... ! ', Zoning Ordinance: The Township does not have a Zoning Ordinance. A model Zoning Ordinance has been prepared as part of this planning program. The Township should seriously consider the adoption of this ordinance. Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance: A Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance has been drafted by the Centre County Planning Commission and adopted by the Centre County Board of Commissioners. This ordinance requires developers and potential subdividers to adhere to the minimum standards required to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the County and constituent communities. This Ordinance will also act to guide their efforts in relation to the Union Township Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Plan Element. Community Conservation: A community-wide program of conservation and rehabilitation should be undertaken. Under this program, steps are taken to prevent areas or presently sound structures from falling into blight. These steps include the strict and vigorous enforcement of building, house, and health standards. H Capital Improvements Program (CIP): The Capital Improvements Program is a list of municipal projects with their respective priority, cost, and proposed method of financing. The program covers a period of five or six years into the future. Through this program, the recommendations of the Transportation Plan, Community Facilities Plan, Public Utilities Plan, and Housing Plan can be carried out and financed thereby promoting the effectuation of the Proposed Land Use Plan. < . . -.. . . 104